The second semi-final at China 2026 lived up to every expectation, as Denmark and Spain needed overtime to decide the second finalist after 70 minutes of top-class handball, before the Scandinavians finally booked their place in the final.

Semi-final
Denmark vs Spain 30:29 a.o.t. (25:25, 12:13)

A combination of strong defensive displays, a few early turnovers, and several goalkeeper saves kept the scoreboard untouched for the opening five minutes of the second semi-final. Spain were the first to break the deadlock through Paula Lluch Rico, before Denmark quickly found the equaliser.

While the Danes struggled more with their ball control, Spain were unable to fully capitalise, leaving the teams level for much of the opening half. Denmark also tried to create an advantage by switching to the seven-against-six attack, but the tactic brought no reward, allowing Spain to move into their first two-goal lead at 7:5.

Turnarounds became the hallmark of the first half, as Denmark answered with a run of their own to edge ahead 8:7. From then on, the teams continued to play goal for goal, and Spain eventually went into halftime with a narrow 13:12 advantage.

Kristine Emilie Hoppe once again led Denmark's attack, while Spain relied on the trio of Lucía Julve Benages, Nerea Patiño Limes and Belén Rodríguez Lario. Defensively, both sides searched for solutions throughout the half, with Spain even applying periods of high pressure, but neither defence managed to dominate, leaving the goalkeepers with little opportunity to steal the spotlight.

The second half was every bit as exciting, although Spain looked the more likely winners for long stretches. They were the only side to build a three-goal lead, moving ahead 21:18 thanks in part to several key saves from Goundo Gassama Cissokho, but once again, they could not hold on. Denmark's seven-against-six attack finally began to pay off as the Scandinavians fought their way back, setting up another nip-and-tuck battle in a tense atmosphere inside Jinzhong City Gymnasium.

With one minute and 15 seconds remaining, Spain had the chance to move two goals clear and all but seal the victory at 25:24. Instead, a late turnover by Nerea Patiño Limes opened the door for Denmark, who equalised with just 10 seconds left. Spain still had one final attack, and Patiño Limes had an opportunity to redeem herself, but her missed shot sent the match into overtime.

The opening five minutes of overtime belonged to Denmark, who looked the more composed side and edged ahead 28:26. Spain later responded by switching to a 3-3 defence in an attempt to disrupt Denmark's back line, and the tactical move worked as the Spaniards turned the score around and took a 29:28 lead.

But Denmark had one final answer, as they levelled the match again before goalkeeper Freja Fonseca Nielsen produced the save of the game, giving her team one last attack. Cecilie Wiking Antivakis then scored her fourth goal to make it 30:29 and send Denmark into the final. Spain still had one last possession, but their 14th turnover of the match ended any hopes of another comeback.

Denmark have now reached their sixth final at the IHF Women's Junior World Championship and will be chasing a third title against Germany, after their triumphs in 1997 and 2016. Spain's wait for a first final appearance continues, as they head into only their third bronze-medal match after finishing fourth in both 2001 and 2008, where they will meet France.

hummel Player of the Match: Goundo Gassama Cissokho (Spain)