The quarterfinals in the men's handball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics wrapped up on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Take a look at the recaps from each quarterfinal match below.
Spain vs. Egypt
It took one period of overtime to separate these two sides, but in the end, Spain outlasted Egypt 28-27 in the first quarterfinal match of the day.
It was a heated affair between the two countries. A total of nine penalties were called and seven two-minute suspensions were given throughout the match. But Spain proved to be the team to overcome.
The Europeans were down by four goals, 12-8, heading into the second half. but a second-half attacking display led by Aleix Gomez — who scored nine goals in the match — allowed Spain to put up 17 goals and limit Egypt to 13.
After the game was tied at 25 at the end of regulation, both teams entered a 10-minute overtime period with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Spain and Egypt scored three goals apiece in overtime, but it was Gomez's go-ahead goal with less than 30 seconds remaining that proved to be the game-winning moment for the Europeans. Spanish goalkeeper Gonzalo Perez also came to the rescue for his team after making two incredible saves in the last 10 seconds to ensure Spain moved on to the semifinals.
Egypt was eliminated from the tournament. Spain will play Germany in the semis.
Germany vs. France
It was another quarterfinal match that went to extra time in the men's handball tournament. Germany did just enough to win 35-34 against France.
Before the match went into overtime, it seemed as if France managed the edge over Germany. The host nation had a two-goal lead with less than 15 seconds remaining in the second half. But two quick goals from Renars Uscins, including a last-second goal after a turnover by France's Dika Mem, propelled Germany to level the score 29-29 right at the end of the match.
France goalkeeper Vincent Gerard played his best match of the tournament, saving three out of six penalty shots and 41% of the shots faced in regulation. Handball legend Nikola Karabatic, who is widely regarded as the sport's best all-time player, did everything he could to lead his team on the court and from the sidelines, but it wasn't quite enough.
In the last minute of overtime, France was down 34-33 when a goal from Nedim Remili tied the game up for the host nation with 15 seconds left to play. Once again, Uscins mimicked what he did in the second half and was able to score with only four seconds left in the overtime to give Germany a 35-34 lead and break the hearts of many France supporters.
Germany will play Spain in the semifinals at 10:30 a.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 9. France is eliminated from the tournament.
Denmark vs. Sweden
Denmark was able to claw out a 32-31 win against Sweden in the quarterfinals of the men's handball tournament in Paris.
Both teams played physical handball as the referee called a total of seven two-minute suspensions and nine penalties.
It was an even contest for the majority of the match as the sides were locked at 16-all at the end of the first half. Heading into the second half, it was more of the same physical battle between the two.
Lukas Jorgensen's goal in the 58th minute proved to be the game-winning moment as Denmark earned a two-goal cushion heading into the closing minutes of the match.
Sweden's Felix Claar was able to pull one back for his team to make it 32-31 with a minute and a half left, but Sweden was unable to find a very late equalizer.
Denmark advanced to the semifinals and will face Slovenia at 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 9.
Norway vs. Slovenia
Slovenia will play in its first-ever Olympic semifinal after defeating Norway 33-28 in a quarterfinal match.
From the start, Slovenia made it difficult for Norway to find its rhythm and was lethal in the attack. Slovenia outscored Norway 16-12 in the first half and used that momentum to cruise into the second half without letting Norway back in.
Aleks Vlah (11 goals) and Blaz Janc (9 goals) led Slovenia to convert 75% of its shots, while goalkeeper Ferlin Klemen also held his end of the bargain by making 10 saves.
Norway had plenty of clear-cut opportunities to make it a closer game, but the team was unable to keep up.
Slovenia will play reigning champions Denmark in the semifinals, while Norway has been eliminated.