Denmark has won the Handball World Championships four successive times, and they are also the reigning Olympic champions. But it's 14 years since the Danes, who this time have the advantage of playing at home in Herning, lifted the European Championship trophy, and coach Nikolaj Jacobsen is desperate to claim all of the three titles at the same time.
"We have the opportunity to have all three major titles at the same time, and you probably only get that chance once in your life. It will be a unique achievement", says Nikolaj Jacobsen, dr.dk.
It may seem illogical that the title of European Champions has eluded the Danes for so many years, judging from the fact that they have been so successful at the World Championships. But according to World Handballer Mathias Gidsel, there is a quite natural explanation for why the Danish favourites have struggled to claim the EURO trophy.
"There are far more tough matches at the European Championships, because the soft opponents from outside Europe are not included. There isn't the same room for error at all, and if you have repeated poor performances, you're out of the tournament", says the Danish world star.
Denmark will face Northern Macedonia tonight in the sold-out Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning. In the opening group, Denmark will also face Portugal, who finished fourth at last year's World Championships, while the intermediate round could see the Danes do battle with France, Norway, Germany, and Spain.