In a final that was refreshing for being competitive from start to finish and in which the result wasn’t clear until the end Denmark emerged victorious by edging out Russia 27:26.  The winning goal officially timed at 30:00 in the second half.

The Danes owned a 15:12 advantage at half time but were pegged back before Russia looked like the most likely to open up a decisive break.  The Russians led 22:20 at one point before Denmark levelled at 24:24 and a nervous series of attacks in the final ten minutes saw neither side able to assert themselves.

With thirty seconds left the scores were tied and Russia had the ball – but after a steady build-up their shot went wide and a ludicrous fast break from Denmark saw Freja Kyndbal somehow score whilst the Russian defence tried everything to stop her.  There was no time left for a response: cue celebrations for the team in red; despondency for the team in blue.  Anne mett Hansen was player of the match with 8 goals from 12 shots.

It’s the second title at this level for the Danes.  Norway take the bronze after a 36:30 win over Romania.  The hosts will be pretty disappointed to wind up finishing 11th.  And for the record the tournament’s top scorer was Aleksandrova Irina of Kazakhstan who powered in 62 goals.

If you want to relive any of the final, it’s here.