Defending champion Spain wins the second semi-final against Slovenia 34:32 (20:15) and meets Croatia in the final on Sunday (4pm; live ticker: SPIEGEL.de).
Slovenia got off to a good start against the 2018 European champions and led early with two goals from Blaz Blagotinsek. The Spaniards were unimpressed, quickly equalized and decided on the game from then on. However, after Spain’s first time penalty, the Slovenians used two opponents to change their leadership again.
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With increasing game length in round one, the defensive of the Slovenes was overwhelmed by the individual class of the Spaniards. Particularly noticeable were Ferrn Sole and Alex Dujshebaev, who took on multiple responsibilities in the game of the Spaniards.
Little hope for a break
Slovenia struggled, the team of Ljubomir Vranjes kept the gap until 16:13, but at the 20:15 break there were five goals between the two teams for the first time. Slovenia played too often with too much risk during this phase and took frivolous ball losses.
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Spain played confidently at the start of the second period, but Jordi Ribeira’s team failed to score more than six goals. Slovenia did not give up, now fought for its goals and kept the gap. With Jure Dolenec (seven goals), they were the safest shooters in the field. At the crucial moments, Spain always seemed to have an answer ready, even if they revealed some weaknesses in the deal. Shortly before the game ended, Darko Cingesar and Nejc Cehte were able to shorten to two goals. However, it remained at 34:32.
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Norway and Slovenia are already playing for bronze on Saturday. The German team meets Portugal in the game for fifth place (4 p.m .; live ticker: SPIEGEL.de)
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