The 2025 Men's World Cup final between Denmark and Croatia showcased handball at its highest level, with Denmark securing a 32-26 victory. This analysis is based on comprehensive match data captured through Readplay's professional handball statistics platform (3Steps), providing detailed insights into the key elements that determined the outcome of this championship match.
Through systematic event tracking and real-time analysis, we present a data-driven breakdown of the tactical and technical aspects that shaped this final. Our platform recorded 168 match events (290 including related events), offering a thorough understanding of both teams' performances.
Goalkeeper Analysis
Danish Goalkeepers Performance
Emil Nielsen (#12)
- Total saves: 14/35 (40% save rate)
- 6m shots: 11/29 saves (38%)
- Wing shots: 2/2 (100%)
- 7m penalties: 0/1
- 9m shots: 1/3 (33%)
Jannick Green (#16)
- Total saves: 1/5 (20% save rate)
- 6m shots: 0/2
- 7m penalties: 1/3 (33%)
Croatian Goalkeepers Performance
Dominik Kuzmanović (#1)
- Total saves: 3/23 (13% save rate)
- 6m shots: 0/12
- Wing shots: 1/5 (20%)
- 7m penalties: 1/5 (20%)
Ivan Pešić (#35)
- Total saves: 1/11 (9% save rate)
- 6m shots: 0/4
- Wing shots: 0/3
- 7m penalties: 0/3
- 9m shots: 1/1 (100%)
Key Insights
The significant difference in goalkeeper performance was a decisive factor in the match outcome. Emil Nielsen's 40% save rate, particularly his perfect record from wing positions and strong performance against 6m shots, provided Denmark with a crucial advantage. The Danish goalkeeping unit saved 15 shots in total, while their Croatian counterparts managed 4 saves combined.
Player Performance Analysis
Danish Standout Performers
Mathias Gidsel (Score: 12.21)
- 90.9% shooting efficiency (10/11)
- 4 assists and 1 second assist
- 1 conquered ball
- 5 technical mistakes
Simon Pytlick (Score: 7.22)
- 80% shooting efficiency (4/5)
- 6 assists and 1 second assist
- 2 technical mistakes
Lukas Lindhard Jorgensen (Score: 5.03)
- 100% shooting (3/3)
- 3 tackles and 1 block
- Error-free performance
Croatian Top Contributors
Marin Jelinić (Score: 5.30)
- 100% shooting efficiency (3/3)
- 5 tackles
- 1 conquered ball
Mario Šoštarić (Score: 5.11)
- 83.3% field goal efficiency (5/6)
- Perfect from 7-meter line (2/2)
- 1 tackle
Team Comparison
Denmark
- Overall shooting efficiency: 80% (32/40)
- Assists: 12
- 7m conversion: 87.5% (7/8)
- Conquered balls: 4
Croatia
- Shooting percentage: 57.8% (26/45)
- Penalties conceded: 10
- Technical mistakes: 6
- Assists: 9