The United States of America delivered one of their biggest-ever performances on the world stage as they pushed record-breakers Denmark at the Malmö Arena, eventually losing 24:33 in their main round clash of the 2023 IHF Men's World Championship.
The Danes, with a rotated team and key players rested, were not only playing in front of a packed arena of their fans but are also going for their third, unprecedented world championship in a row. This result now means they have gone 25 games unbeaten in the competition.
World-conquering teammates become opponents Share URL via E-Mail Copy URL to clipboard
In January, Mads Mensah Larsen and Mikkel Hansen stood side-by-side on the winners’ podium of the World Championship with the Danish team, less than a month later, the two prolific left backs face each other in Match of The Week between SG Flensburg-Handewitt and Paris Saint-Germain HB.
“It is always great to duel with old mates, but of course for 60 minutes you forget friendship. Before and after the match it will be great to talk to players like Mikkel Hansen,” Mads Mensah Larsen told eurohandball.com.
“We had an incredible time together in a very special atmosphere in Egypt and I really hope that this was the only tournament without spectators. In the end, we became world champions again and this is what counts.