Relentless Portugal hold off Germany to set up Spain rematch in the final

This year's Men's 20 EHF EURO 2024 final will be the same as the one two years ago in Portugal. Spain versus Portugal. Again. This time, of course, with different generations, but the rivalry stays.

And that rivalry was already reignited here in Celje in the main round, when Portugal won 38:37. That was a spectacular encounter, dubbed the best match of the tournament. Portugal still haven't lost a single game in this tournament, while Spain lost only one - to Portugal. In many ways this is the most deserved final.

SEMI-FINAL 2

Portugal - Germany 29:24

• Portugal jumped off to a great start (5:2) and gradually kept building their advantage until the break when they enjoyed a six-goal advantage (18:12)
• Germany refused to surrender and came from eight goals down (21:13) to only a goal (25:24)
• However, final six minutes went to Portugal 4-0, with Diogo Rêma saving shot after shot and frustrating Germans
• This was Portugal's second win over Germany in this tournament. In the preliminary round they beat them 21:17
• Portugal are the only undefeated team in the tournament, with six victories and a draw in total so far
• On Sunday Portugal will be looking to win their first gold in this age category at the EHF EURO

Portugal ready to shine in gold

After a topsy-turvy second half Portugal managed to preserve their huge lead, at one point eight goals, and reach the final for the second time in a row.

For almost 40 minutes Portugal were scintillating. They played their possibly best half of the tournament, even though they beat Spain as well. They were sharp from the first whistle, suffocating Germany's attacks with mobile and disciplined defence, while also being fluid in offence, providing a variety of different solutions.

It seemed like Germany ran out of gas after an incredible comeback the previous night against Sweden, and perhaps that is what the Portuguese thought as well. We were all wrong.

Suddenly, Germany's defence tightened, Portugal's attacks started becoming longer and longer, with less ideas and Germany narrowed the gap to only a goal. But, that is where they collapsed. In the final six minutes they failed to score and several wonder saves from Diogo Rêma finished the Germans off.

Portugal have two silver medals from this competition, last of which in the previous edition in 2022 when they were hosting the tournament and lost to Spain, but with different generations of course. This is a new generation, an improved Portugal, ready to shine in gold on Sunday.