Nikola Karabatic is applauded by players and staff after being defeated by Germany. GETTY IMAGES

The quarter-finals were highly competitive today, with Germany and Spain advancing to the first semi-final of the Games after extra time in each match. Germany edged out France in Nikola Karabatic's farewell game, while Spain narrowly defeated a resilient Egypt team. Denmark also struggles but beats Sweden.

Like Rudy Fernandez in basketball, Karabatic said goodbye to his club, Paris Saint-Germain, at the end of the season, but he wanted the luxury of leaving the national team at the Paris Games. A farewell at home, at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille. Though he did not want to say goodbye so soon.

France has long been a dominant force in handball, especially in the 21st century, with Denmark recently emerging as a strong rival alongside Spain and Croatia. Arriving in Paris as Tokyo Olympic champions, France's handball icon Nikola Karabatic has been a key figure in their success. Three golds and one silver at the Games. Four golds, one silver and two bronzes at World Championships, and four golds and two bronzes at European Championships.

The French team faced significant challenges this tournament, suffering clear losses to Denmark and Norway, and drawing with Egypt. They needed to beat Argentina and Hungary to advance to the quarter-finals. Despite winning this year's European Championships, they were not at their peak, especially with the added pressure of playing at home.

In a stunning turn of events, France’s loss to Germany was particularly surprising. Leading 14-17 at halftime and starting the second half with a 0-3 run to go 14-20 up, they seemed to be in control. With 28.5 minutes remaining, the game appeared to be in France's favor. However, Germany managed to overcome their nerves and the challenge posed by French goalkeeper Vincent Gerard to secure a dramatic win.



Germany quickly closed the gap, shifting the pressure onto France. With French goalkeeper Vincent Gerard and Dika Mem providing crucial support, Mem scoring key goals despite the defense, France initially maintained their lead.

As the game progressed, France struggled to score, while Germany, despite Gerard’s efforts, managed to find enough goals to take the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining. Germany briefly faltered, allowing France to regain a two-goal advantage. With less than a minute left, Germany converted a penalty, but Mem responded with a brilliant goal, making it 27-29.

Germany had another penalty opportunity, but with time running out and possession with France, they called a timeout with just six seconds left. The French threw in the ball to Mem, who mishandled it, allowing Germany’s Renars Uscins to score from distance as the buzzer sounded, tying the game at 29-29 and sending it to extra time.

In the extra period, Germany gained an edge after Elohim Prandi’s two-minute exclusion. They led 34-33 until France’s Nedim Remili scored with 15 seconds remaining. Germany’s Uscins responded with another crucial goal, and despite a last-ditch effort from France, German goalkeeper David Spaeth made a decisive save, securing a 35-34 victory.

Following the match, the Stade Pierre-Mauroy erupted in applause for retiring French legends Karabatic, Vincent Gerard, and Valentin Porte. The German team joined in the tribute, honouring three of the most historic figures in handball from the past decades.



Spain also win in extra time

The day’s first match was packed with excitement, featuring a clash between two Spanish coaches: Jordi Ribera and Juan Carlos Pastor, who previously led Spain to its first World Cup and a bronze medal in Beijing 2008.

Egypt has demonstrated exceptional form in these Games, a rarity for non-European teams to challenge the traditional medal contenders at the Olympics and World Championships. Tunisia and Egypt have occasionally broken this mold.

In the match, Egypt gave everything to secure the win. After a competitive start with goals exchanged for the first 15 minutes, Egypt took control and showcased a solid defensive performance. Spain struggled with their attack, and by halftime, Egypt had established a 8-12 lead.

Aleix Gomez jumps to shoot. GETTY IMAGES
Aleix Gomez jumps to shoot. GETTY IMAGES

The second half saw no change in momentum as Egypt maintained a steady lead of three to four goals. Spain struggled to break through, relying on Alex Dujshebaev to spark their attack. Intensified defensive efforts began to close the gap as the match approached its final moments.

With two minutes remaining, Spain equalized from a penalty and capitalized on a numerical advantage due to Mohammad Sanad's exclusion. Despite this, Egypt regained the lead with a minute left, only for Spain to level the score once more. Yehia Elderaa’s final shot for Egypt missed the mark, sending the game into extra time.

In extra time, Spain took control, though they couldn't pull away on the scoreboard. They managed to prevent Egypt from seizing the lead. With 25 seconds remaining, Aleix Gomez scored a crucial penalty to put Spain ahead. Gonzalo Perez de Vargas then delivered a decisive save in the final moments to secure Spain's victory.

Spain secured a 29-28 victory, ending Egypt's remarkable tournament run. Egypt, aiming for their second consecutive semi-finals appearance, had been defeated by Spain in the bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020. This time, their journey ended in the quarter-finals.



Sweden come close to springing a surprise against Denmark

The Scandinavian duel at the Stade Pierre Mauroy was of a high standard. The third quarter-final of the day came very close to ending like the first two: in extra time. In the first half Denmark dominated. They found space for their shooters to score goals.

There were several minutes where the advantage was in the three or four goals. The game was under control, but it remained to be seen if the champions of the last three World Cups could finish the game and have a quiet end to the match. 

Sweden did not allow it. They also found the spaces. And in the Danish goal there was no great performance, which is the norm. The match went into half-time tied, 16-16, but with the idea that Denmark's quality would prevail.



The second half showed a Sweden that continued to compete. The pressure was on the favourites. The Swedes did not stop competing, although there were more minutes with Denmark ahead.

Mikkel Hansen, Mathias Gisel and Simon Pytlick made the important decisions in the Danish attack. But the lead was not reassuring. Hampus Wanne and Felix Claar were in charge of answering. Claar scored to make it 32-31 with almost two minutes left. Denmark had a chance to put the game to bed, but they left it alive. Hansen missed a penalty with just under a minute left. Sweden had possession for the equaliser, but this time they found Emil Nielsen and the score remained unchanged.