Macedonia lose, but they are happy with the last 16 game agains Germany

Denmark - Macedonia 33:30 (13:14)

Palacio de San Pablo, Sevilla

Macedonia test Denmark, but will play Germany. Macedonia lost to to Denmark in a relatively equal match and will play Germany, leader of Group A, in the last 16. The strong Nordic selection, on their part, will play 4th in Group A. Denmark were incapable of playing their best handball against Macedonia in the first half. Shundovski's men, guided by the legendary inspirational Lazarov, matched equal partials against the leader of the group, dubious despite the presence of Mikkel Hansen about the park. A shuddering 7-7 showed on the scoreboard mid way throught the first half, equality that was held untl the break (13-14). Wilbek's men let their leaders loose in the second half, when Hansen and Eggert passed their powerful efficiency to leave the score at 29-25 7 minutes from the end. At the end, Denmark had the ability to maintain the advantage to close the meeting 33-30.

Zvonko Shundovski (Macedonian head coach):\

"Congratulations for the victory to the Danish team. They have shown up they're a serious candidate to be champions of the tournament. They are the best team of the group, now that there are no more matches. We wish we had won this match. We knew their quality and we got prepared. But they are 16 great players, they play on rotations. Congratulations to my players for their great performance. We play better and better in attack. I am satisfied with our transitions from attack to defense, but we have to improve for our performances against big teams".

Branilsav Angelovski (Macedonia):

"Congratulations to the Danish team for the victory and to the Danish coach for the MVP, something very unusual. After the defeat against Iceland we had some difficult moments, but in the end we have played good handball. We learned how to search for our victory, but today there was a great team, a world champion. We would have won, but we lost our strength. It was the fifth match in a row, and we were tired. Thanks to the organization committee and our fans. We hope to play better against Germany".

Ulrik Wilbek (Danish head coach):

"It is always difficult to play in this kind of games in a tournament when a team hasn't much to play for. For ourselves, we have to meet Brazil or Tunisia in the eighth finals and I think we can overcome it. Thanks to the organization comittee, players, we liked Seville, the weather, its people...".

Casper U. Mortensen (Denmark):

"We are looking forward to the next match, in Zaragoza. We will have to play better. But we are looking forward to that game".