Denmark women’s handball EM squad, Digi Mart USA News: Danish head coach Helle Thomsen named her squad on Monday for the European Championship finals in December. One position appears to have caused her the greatest difficulty, with experienced wing player Rikke Iversen left out of the 17-player selection.
Thomsen said the choice at wing had been among the most difficult decisions in selecting the team. “Obviously the choice of wing players has taken up a lot of time.
We have had many wing players in over the recent training camps,” she said.
Thomsen praised Iversen’s defensive work but said the final puzzle required a different combination. Anne Mette Hansen may still receive minutes on the wing during the tournament.
TV 2 Sports handball expert Peter Bruun Jørgensen said the omission surprised him. He said he would have found a place for the experienced Team Esbjerg player.
Sofie Bardrum, who has been without a club for part of the season, earned a place in the squad. She left Romanian club HC Dunarea Braila in September and later joined Viborg HK.
Thomsen said Bardrum has continued training and brings qualities the team needs.
Five newcomers joined the squad compared with Denmark’s most recent World Championship roster: Sandra Toft, Cecilie Brandt, Stine Nørklit, Mie Højlund and Kathrine Heindahl. Thomsen may name 20 players for the EURO but must select 16 for each match.
Denmark is in a group with Spain, Greece and Turkey. The opener is on December 3 in Antalya against Spain.
The tournament is hosted by Turkey, Romania and Poland. Denmark plays two final test matches against the Netherlands on November 26 and the Faroe Islands on November 28, both in Trondheim.
