Norway and Spain advanced to the final of EHF Beach Handball Euro 2025.
Norway and Spain beat Germany and the Netherlands in the women’s semifinals of the 2025 European Beach Handball EURO held in Alanya, Turkiye on the 12th (local time).
The Netherlands, which had won the championship with Germany, a strong favorite, collapsed in the semifinals after being blocked by Germany and Norway.
ėŽė§ íë Picture 2025 European Beach Handball Championship semifinal match between Germany and Norway, photo source = European Handball Federation
Norway 2-0 (17:14, 20:18) Germany
First, Norway defeated Germany 2-0 to reach the final. Norway made a strong turnaround by winning a complete victory over Germany, the second consecutive Euro champion.
From the beginning of the game, Norway’s Susanne Pettersen was responsible for the first six points alone and scored a total of 16 points. Marte Figenschau, who led the attack together, also scored 15 points.
Germany took a 6:2 lead in the second set, but Norway did not lose focus until the end and completed a 20:18 upset. Norway returned to the finals for the first time in eight years since 2017, and this was the moment they confirmed their fifth Euro medal (1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze).
Norway’s Susane Pettersen told the European Handball Federation, “I had a good feeling today. The team atmosphere was really good, and it was a happy day to laugh and play together,” he said.
Spain 2-0 (21:18, 22:20) Netherlands
In the second semi-final, Spain beat the Netherlands, which had been winning the tournament, and achieved the feat of advancing to the finals for the first time in history.
It was the Netherlands that took the lead in the first set, but after the middle, Asun Batista’s penalty score turned the tide, eventually bringing the set to 21:18.
In the second set, the Netherlands’ Anna Butter and Meike Kruijer combination scored a total of 28 points, but failed to overcome Spain’s offense and organized defense. Batista led the team with 14 points, the most in the game.
Spain have reached the semi-finals of five Euros so far, but this is their first ever final.
Spain’s Asun Batista told the European Handball Federation, “It’s absolutely unbelievable. We knew this team was one of the best. I had to show a really good performance to win, and I did it in the end.”
Norway are seeking their second win since 2017, while Spain is seeking their first in Euro history.
[Kim Yongpil, MK Sports Reporter]