Portugal is looking to reach its first Handball World Cup final
Portugal is through to the semi-finals of the Handball World Cup 2025 after a dramatic overtime win over Germany (3-1) on Wednesday night.
The match was nerve-wracking for fans of both teams, with Portugal dominating the first half and heading into the break with a four-goal lead only to see Germany fight back and take its first lead of the night. Despite the setback, the Portuguese team remained resilient and pushed the game into overtime, where a last-second goal by Martim Costa secured the historic win.
Next up in the semi-finals is Denmark, a powerhouse of the sport which has won the last three editions of the Handball World Cup. It will be a true test for the team led by Paulo Pereira, which had already made history by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time.
One thing is certain, however: Portugal is “going all in” in the semi-finals.
“We know what Denmark is capable of. A lot of things need to align, but the most important thing is having a group of players with this mindset. I can assure you—we’re going all in,” Paulo Pereira said after the quarter-finals match.
Portugal’s two top political figures – President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro – have already congratulated the national handball team on their historic run.
“And now, simply CONGRATULATIONS. Brilliant, ‘Heróis do Mar’,” Montenegro wrote in a message on X (formerly Twitter).
In a statement posted on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic, President Marcelo highlighted “the enthusiasm, determination, and immense will to win” which “have been a constant in our national team—its players, coach, and technical staff—bringing honour and pride to all Portuguese people”.
Portugal’s semi-finals clash against Denmark is scheduled for Friday at 7.30pm (Lisbon time).
