Germany reach first women's worlds final since 1993, to face Norway

Co-hosts Germany ended a 20-year winning drought against France on Friday when they upset the title holders 29-23 to reach the women's world handball championship final for the first time in 32 years.

Captain Antje Döll led the way with nine goals and goalkeeper Katharina Filter made a number of huge saves to clinch victory in Rotterdam.

In the final on Sunday, Germany will face Olympic champions Norway, who comprehensively beat the other host nation, the Netherlands, 35-25, led by 10 goals from twice World Player of the Year Henny Reistad.

"We are in the final, and now we want to win it," coach Markus Gaugisch said.

Döll said: "I can't grasp what has just happened. Phenomenal. It was a great game."

Political leaders were also thrilled and congratulated via social media.

"What a game," Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on X, adding that the players "thrill with fighting spirit and skill against the defending champions from France. Heartfelt congratulations.

"Now it's time to give it everything for the final step. All of Germany is on edge with excitement," he added.

German President Franz-Walter Steinmeier said on Instagram: "They defeated the defending champions, and for the first time in decades, a German women's handball team is in the final again. That's fantastic! Fingers crossed for Sunday!"

German teams have won the women's worlds four times, with the first three coming from East Germany. The last gold medal was after reunification in 1993, and the last medal a bronze in 2007.

Germany last defeated France at a big event at the 2005 worlds, and France were the favourites, having appeared in three of the last four finals and lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2023.

Like in the previous matches on home ground, Germany started well in Rotterdam and led 15-12 at the half, undeterred that France had drawn within one several times.

The lead swelled to five goals mid-way through the second half. France tried to fight back, moved within three but also lost Onacia Ondono on a red card. Germany then scored the last three goals to clinch an improbable victory.

In the other semi Norway never trailed, led 18-14 at the half, and further pulled away after the break for 24-15.

The Dutch regrouped and got back within four but there was no full way back for them. Norway were in full control again after a timeout with four unanswered goals and coasted into the final where they will seek a fifth world title.