Mathias Gidsel about EHF EURO 2026: “It Would Be Stupid to Stand Here and Not Say We’re the Biggest Favorites”
Mathias Gidsel admitted Denmark were pushed hard in their friendly against Norway 34:26 (13:13), describing the match as a valuable warning sign ahead of EHF EURO 2026. The Füchse Berlin star pointed to a difficult first half — with goalkeeper Torbjørn Bergerud in top form and Norway defending aggressively — forcing the hosts to search for solutions and adjust on the fly.
Denmark found a better rhythm after the break, changing their setup and spending more time with two left-handers on the court — an option Gidsel says is not the team’s first choice, but one that can be “in the toolbox” when opponents prepare specifically to disrupt their usual flow. With the European Championship approaching on home soil, Gidsel also played down the “favorites” talk, stressing that Denmark expect every opponent to come fully loaded and that the margin for mistakes will be minimal in a demanding group.
The World Handball Player 2023 and 2024 talked for Handball-Planet.com after the match in Netherlands.
How was the match? What was the difficulties?
It was a little bit of a difficult match. Actually, in the first half we had a lot of difficulties, especially with Bergerud, who had a very good performance. Also, it’s very good to see how other rivals are preparing for us. Today we played against a very offensive defense, and it was a difficult time for us.
We have to be honest and find a solution for that. We went through the first half with a lot of difficulties, but we changed a lot in the second half. We played more with two left-handers and it was better. It was a really good test for us, to see what Norway can prepare for us.
You played also on center-back position in the second half. Are you feel comfortable in that position?
I think it’s OK. Handball is more fluid now. I am shooting from the left side, so we are more free. In Füchse and with Denmark we play more with two left-handers compared with the old days. We have more freedom — it’s totally fine. You could see how we changed the game today with two left-handers: Simon (Pytlick) and I were closer to each other, and we had good options. It’s not our first option — we haven’t trained it too much — but it’s good to have it in the toolbox.
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You have been elected for the Danish sportsman of the year 2025. How do you feel about that?
Yes, it’s the biggest, greatest honor you can get in Danish sport. I’m really proud to be selected. It was an amazing 2025 in Berlin and here — it was a crazy year. I’m really proud to represent Denmark and to be selected and honored. It’s something I will take with me to the grave one day.
You will be hosting EHF EURO 2026….
It would be stupid to stand here nad not saying that we are the biggest favorites. We know we are at home, we have an amazing squad, and we are playing amazing handball — but we also know that everyone wants to beat us. We know how tough the EHF EURO is. We have a really tough first group, and hopefully people who know a little bit about handball understand how tough that group is going to be. The margin for mistakes is very small. We have to give 100%. We know we’ll get support. In sport it’s not always the biggest favorite that succeeds, but we will try our best – concluded Gidsel.
