Denmark dominate Japan to open Germany/Netherlands 2025 in style

Denmark passed the first test at Germany/Netherlands 2025 in Rotterdam with flying colours, overcoming Japan 36:19 to mark the successful start of Helle Thomsen’s era.

Group A
Denmark vs Japan 36:19 (19:6)

Japan were off to a good start, taking a 2:0 lead and signalling they intended to challenge Denmark once again. It took some time for the Danish engine to heat up, while Japan moved ahead through Kaho Nakayama.

Once Anna Kristensen made her first saves, Denmark finally broke through and climbed to a 5:3 lead, which they continued to build on in the following minutes. Japan’s fast pace and strong defence started to loosen, allowing Denmark to produce a four-goal run and apply real pressure.

Denmark refused to let this match follow the pattern of their last meeting, when Japan won 27:26. This time, Denmark imposed their rhythm and, with quick transitions, overwhelmed Japan and spurred a nine-goal run.

Japan tried to break their drought by bringing on an extra attacking player, but even numerical superiority was not enough to match Denmark. And when Japan finally found a way through the defence, Anna Kristensen shut the door again, leaving them without a goal for 13 minutes – and having 21% attack efficiency in the first half speaks for itself.

Japan improved their performance in the second half, raising their attacking efficiency to 45% at one point, but the gap from the first half was simply too big to narrow. Denmark rotated their squad to give everyone playing time and to rest key players ahead of the upcoming matches at the World Championship.

By the 55th minute the scoreboard showed 32:19, and even though Japan once again tried to reduce the deficit with an extra attacking player, Denmark held firm to bring Japan’s attacking efficiency back down to 34%. With 13 outfield players scoring, it was Andrea Aagot who took the spotlight for Denmark with six goals, while hummel Player of the Match Anna Kristensen finished with 12 saves at 52%.

In the next game on Saturday, Denmark will aim to extend their winning streak and practically seal the main round as they take on Croatia. Japan will try to bounce back against Romania.

hummel Player of the Match: Anna Kristensen (Denmark)