What a crazy and extraordinary game! The last preliminary round match of Linz between the European Champion Denmark and Olympic silver medallist Iceland was waving like the northern sea at wind force number nine. Because first Iceland had a dream start and leaded 7:2 after eight minutes, then Denmark came back scored eight goals in the raw – 10:7 (15.). But then Iceland took the match in its hands and nine minutes later Gudmundsson´s boys leaded again – 14:11. At this time Iceland controlled the game and Denmark has not got any chance to come back. After two draws Iceland won finally its last game by 27:22 and goes with three points to Vienna – to the main round!

Denmark goes with two points and Austria with one point to Vienna.

Denmark – Iceland 22:27 (13:15): Christiansen 5, Eggert 4, Hansen 3, Mogensen 2, Laen 2, Lindberg 2, K. Nielsen 2, Svan, Söndergaard; Sigurdsson 6, Gunnarsson 5, Palmarsson 5, Petersson 4, Gudjonsson 3, Atlason 2, Stefansson, Jakobsson

Ulrik Wilbek (Denmark, coach): “I can not really explain what has happened. We were supposed to win. But it seems that the draw against Serbia made us tired. Obviously, we were not in the right shape. The team of Iceland was well prepared and thus they deserve the victory.”

Lars Christiansen (Denmark, FP): “In every match we have to play 100 percent, but unfortunately we did not that today.”

Gudmundur Gudmundsson (Iceland, coach): “After the two draws – I would say losses – against Serbia and Austria we were embarressed and sad. The second half was extremely good and we had a fantastic defense. This victory relieved us – we are out of dilemma now. We are looking forward to the next matches.”

Ingimundur Ingimundarson (Iceland, FP) “Honestly, it is a big end of the week.”