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Denmark 2015: Semi-Final 

Netherlands vs Poland

Just under a week ago, Netherlands and Poland faced each other in their final Preliminary Group B match in Naestved.

Danish-born Polish coach Kim Rasmussen was left scratching his head trying to work out how to counter the Dutch threat as Lois Abbingh (seven goals) and Estavana Polman (five) led the Netherlands attack which French coach called “beautiful” after their quarter-final defeat to the oranje two days ago.

All eyes have been on Tess Wester in the Netherlands goal and in that group match she ended on a 51% save rate to win yet another best player of the match award.

Wester will remember that game for other reasons too as it was also when she scored her first-ever international goal after a full-length shot after a Polish attack broke down with the extra player.

The Dutch remain the only unbeaten side at Denmark 2015 with a draw against Sweden in the group stage the only time they have not won in their seven games to date and with 247 goals scored they are an attacking threat the Polman (37 goals to date), Nycke Groot (31), Abbingh (39) and Angela Malestein who has struck 27 times.

As the only Dane left at Denmark 2015, Rasmussen can rely on some home support, but even he admitted he was surprised by his team to make it this far, having lost two games already – that one against the Dutch and against Sweden.

Their quarter-final win against Russia (21:20) was thanks in no small part to the performances of the Polish goalkeepers Weronika Gawlik and Anna Wysokinska who have an average save  rate of 33% between them.

“Who would have put money on this semi-final,” asked Rasmussen to the assembled media at the semi-final press conference. “No-one. Except us,” he answered, before joking. “But that’s illegal so we didn’t.

“After five not very good group games in Naestved we surprised ourselves a little bit and we played two great games with a lot of spirit, a lot of heart and we have key players fighting a lot of the battles for us.

“Now we’re here amongst the four best teams in the world, but handball is a surprising game and the teams are getting better and better - it’s good to see so many different teams at the top.”

For Dutch coach Henk Groener, he has already led his side to their best-ever international tournament finish, but wants more.

“We have a young and dynamic team,” he said. “They have a lot of ambition and a lot of potential.” He will be hoping they can show that potential on court today to make the final on Sunday.