Summary: Slovenia to Cologne; Norway beat Sweden

• group II in Hamburg end the main round
• Netherlands draw 33:33 with Portugal; Slovenia dash Portuguese hopes of Cologne with 28:25 win vs Denmark; Norway finish tournament with 33:23 win against Sweden
• watch the EHF EURO live show on Twitch
• download the Home of Handball app to make your match predictions and vote for Grundfos Player of the Match (45 minutes into each game)
• follow the EHF EURO social media channels: X, Facebook and Instagram
• find out how to follow the tournament
• all photographs © Kolektiff Images

22:30

That is the main round in Hamburg done. We have one more day in the main round to go, with one more semi-final slot to be booked and lots of possibilities about who will be playing on Friday in the placement match and the semi-finals. 

We'll bring you coverage of that tomorrow from 10:00 CET.

Before then, it's farewell to Norway, Portugal and the Netherlands, with thanks for all the handball drama in the last couple of weeks.

22:20

No doubt about the highlight match of the day - Slovenia's win against Denmark which sent them into the 5/6 placement match and on the train to Cologne with Denmark and Sweden. We look forward to welcoming the teams from Hamburg on their arrival and in the arena on Friday!

Catch the other highlights on YouTube.

22:10

EHF journalist Courtney Gahan assesses that final Norway performance - and Sweden's - in the match review, which is the last from Hamburg! 

22:00 | FULL-TIME

Norway 33:23 Sweden

Norway end the Men's EHF EURO 2024 by matching their biggest-ever win in the tournament and in the process Sweden equal their biggest-ever defeat. Sweden look resigned, Norway happy but with no huge celebrations as, after all, they're on their way home. 

Alexandre Blonz shone with 11 goals from 12 attempts, including three penalties, and is voted as Grundfos Player of the Match. Torbjørn Bergerud was also helpful, making eight saves (38 per cent).

21:54

Now it's an 11-goal lead to Norway and Karl Wallinius receives a suspension. Sweden look quite flat. 

21:47

Surely this is wrapped up now? Norway lead 29:18. The absence of Andreas Palicka and Jonathan Carlsbogard is clear in defence, and Sweden seem fairly resigned to losing this. After all, it doesn't matter to them.

21:40

After 45 minutes Norway now hold an eight-goal lead. They'll be going out on a high unless Sweden can produce something incredible in the last 15 minutes - and at the moment, their defence is falling apart against Norway's attack.

21:34

23-year-old Swedish goalkeeper Simon Möller makes his first appearance at the EHF EURO 2024 as Andreas Palicka watches from the sidelines. Tobias Thulin's had a solid 35 minutes in goal, with 10 saves (33 per cent), but evidently Glenn Solberg thinks a change will help. 

Norway lead 21:16 as the clock ticks through 40 minutes.

21:29

Albin Lagergren is not playing in the second half, it looks as though he picked up an injury in the first. Norway's attack, led by Harald Reinkind, are having a good time now with a 20:14 lead after six minutes. 

21:25

Jim Gottfridsson, having sat out the first half, is playing now as Sweden look to claw back Norway's lead. 

21:17

Can Norway continue to lead?

21:10 | HALF-TIME

Norway 15:12 Sweden

Sweden aren't playing badly at all, but Norway have found a flow we haven't really seen from them. While resting Christian O'Sullivan and Sebastian Barthold the rest of the squad, led by six goals from wing Alexandre Blonz, are now well in control over Sweden.

Glenn Solberg hasn't yet played Lucas Pellas or Jim Gottfridsson but the rest of the squad have appeared on court and they haven't found the solutionss to break through a tenacious Norway defence yet. 

Here's what EHF journalist Courtney Gahan thinks about the first half:

21:02

Norway lead by three - and still lead by three after Torbjørn Bergerud makes a great save of a Hampus Wanne penalty. Where has this Norwegian side been all tournament?

20:56

Kristian Sæverås has been replaced in goal by Torbjørn Bergerud and makes a save straight away. Norway lead 11:10 and it's looking better for them at the moment than for Sweden.

20:50

This is how well Norway's attack is working this evening.

20:46

Norway are looking pretty good tonight, making good passes and finishes. Sweden might not be at full throttle but Glenn Solberg is playing some of his best players - as well as giving time to those who have rested more throughout the tournament, such as Karl Wallinius who puts Sweden up 8:7.

20:42

Still tied, despite Tobias Thulin's four saves - it's very level, with both sides missing chances.

20:35

After five minutes, it's 3:3. 

20:30

This is a battle of two Norwegian minds - Glenn Solberg for Sweden, Jonas Wille for Norway. They throw off.

20:15

Norway and Sweden have met once in each of the last three EHF EUROs - Norway winning in 2018 and 2020, Sweden winning in 2022 by one goal en route to the title. Given Norway's struggles this tournament, and the fact they're missing Sander Sagosen tonight, the bet has to be with Sweden to take a last main round win before the semi-finals.

Follow the game here: Norway vs Sweden

20:00

There is one last game in Hamburg - Norway vs Sweden. Sweden are already through to the semi-finals to face France; Norway just want to go out on a high. Gabriel Setterblom, Henrik Jakobsen, Gøran Johannessen and Sander Sagosen are not playing; according to the Norwegian team, the latter two are out for medical reasons. 

19:40

That was the first win for Slovenia against Denmark since EHF EURO 2000. While they were not playing Denmark's strongest team, it was still an important victory. Portugal will be regretting even more not managing to beat the Netherlands earlier. 

We shall see Slovenia in Cologne on Friday!

19:30

Slovenia 28:25 Denmark

Slovenia had a superb last 15 minutes, managing to hold off Denmark. They will play the 5/6 placement match against Austria, Hungary or Germany, depending on tomorrow's results. Portugal are out of contention for Cologne. Denmark are beaten for the first time this tournament, their strategy of playing their second-choice players backfiring. Bringing on Emil Nielsen at the break paid off initially but then he stopped saving too. 

Several players scored six goals; Klemen Ferlin is voted as Grundfos Player of the Match with 10 saves (36 per cent). 

19:25

Borut Mackovsek is brought on in a seven-on-six attack, scores, and Slovenia lead 26:24 - they can sense the ticket to Cologne growing closer and closer. They have 74 seconds to hold on.

19:22

Michael Damgaard has a chance to level the game again at 25:25, but a double dribble means the referees rule it as no-goal. Slovenia fumble the counterattack and Emil Nielsen saves it. Denmark still have a chance to force a draw but are running out of time.

19:18

Denmark are now throwing everything at this - they don't want to lose, even though the outcome is irrelevant for them personally. They're playing seven-on-six in attack, but Slovenia go ahead 24:22 and seem to have regained control.

19:13

Slovenia retake the lead - 23:22, with 10 minutes to go. Slovenia have suddenly improved and Denmark are missing things.

19:08

Coming into the final quarter Denmark have a narrow 21:20 lead. The introduction of Emil Nielsen and Urban Lesjak has really stopped the scoring and a few mistakes have crept into the Slovenian game, while Denmark have tightened things up and look much calmer. 

Uros Zorman calls a timeout.

Make sure you vote for your Player of the Match on the Home of Handball app.

19:03

Very solid defending from both teams is making every goal a challenge to shoot. Michael Damgaard is taken out by Jernej Drobez, who receives a suspension. Denmark lead 20:19.

18:59

It's been level for a bit now. Emil Nielsen is saving everything, including penalties - in nine minutes he's faced four shots and made three saves. 

18:51

Emil Nielsen is between the Danish goalposts, and there are some changes in the line-ups for both Slovenia and Denmark in terms of field players too, with the likes of Henrik Møllgaard entering the fray. Nielsen makes an excellent start, saving the first shot he faces. Michael Damgaard is also playing much better and has scored twice; Slovenia lead 17:16.

By the way, we have a watchalong on Twitch!

18:45

Let's see what changes Nikolaj Jacobsen makes in the second half. Denmark's depth should be good enough, but Slovenia are fired up.

18:36 | HALF-TIME

Slovenia 17:14 Denmark

It really doesn't matter for Denmark whether or not they win or lose this game, but the players on court will definitely want to win it to prove they deserve to be there. And currently, Slovenia are showing how much they want to get to Cologne. 

Only three Slovenian field players are yet to score, including Peter Sisko who hasn't stepped on court. Klemen Ferlin has 10 saves (42 per cent) while Niklas Landin has made four (20 per cent).

EHF journalist Courtney Gahan has this to say:

18:29

Defence specialist Simon Hald is brought on to help with a seven-on-six attack, and scores. But Slovenia now have a three-goal lead.

18:26

Right back Niclas Kirkeløkke picks up a loose ball on the wing and scores from a ridiculous angle. Slovenia are still in the lead, however, and Niklas Landin's save percentage is dropping with every goal going past him.

18:21

Denmark equalise; Uros Zorman calls a timeout and looks pretty annoyed. Slovenia have to keep up the intensity of their attack and the strength of their defence.

18:16

It's 8:7 now to Slovenia, with Denmark playing catch-up as we head towards the second quarter of the game. 

18:10

Slovenia are on fire, and have a 5:3 lead after nine minutes. There's some great defending by the Slovenians and Denmark aren't dealing with the pace. Nikolaj Jacobsen calls a timeout.

18:05

It's 2:2 after five minutes, with Niklas Landin making three saves already and looking like he's on form.

18:00

Here we go: Denmark starting with Niklas Landin in goal.

17:45

The squads for the game between Slovenia and Denmark are here: Slovenia vs Denmark

Denmark will start with their second-choice players in each position, resting their key players, and Mathias Gidsel and Simon Pytlick are in the stands. 

That could make things easier for a good Slovenian side who had such a good preliminary round before a rockier main round. Portugal will be watching on nervously!

17:33

With that result, Slovenia know they have a chance if they can beat Denmark. They're warming up and the match throws off at 18:00 CET.

17:25

So the Netherlands can go home with their heads a bit higher, after salvaging that point in the dying moments. Portugal face an uncertain couple of hours while they wait to see what Slovenia can do against Denmark. EHF journalist Courtney Gahan has the match review.

17:09 | FULL-TIME

Netherlands 33:33 Portugal

In attack with 25 seconds left, Staffan Olsson takes his last timeout to try and force a draw. And Jorn Smits makes it level!

There's one last final chance for Portugal to win it, with Francisco Costa chased down by Rutger ten Velde. The two trip over each other and Portugal protest, so it goes to video review. As initial contact was outside the area, Portugal only receive a direct free throw taken by Salvador Salvador, which does not go in.

The Netherlands end their tournament with a main round point; Portugal now have to wait until the outcome of the match between Denmark and Slovenia to find out if they will play the 5/6 placement match. 

Martim Costa increases his overall tournament tally to 54 goals with an eight-goal outing; Luís Frade also scores eight times. Rutger ten Velde is again the Dutch top scorer with seven goals from seven shots. 

While Bart Ravensbergen had a good day, making 14 saves (32 per cent), Diogo Rêma Marques is voted as Grundfos Player of the Match after saving 15 shots (37 per cent).

16:56

The Netherlands are fighting back after Portugal led by two goals for a while. One goal in it at 31:32 with two minutes to go, in a frantic end to the game.

16:50

With 10 minutes to go Portugal take a 29:28 lead, almost immediately neutralised by a Rutger ten Velde penalty. 

16:43

Make sure you vote for the Grundfos Player of the Match on the Home of Handball app!

16:40

Portugal level the game at 24:24, but the high score hides the exceptional goalkeeping on display - now 11 saves for Bart Ravensbergen and 15 for Diogo Rêma Marques.

16:34

With his two goals this half, Martim Costa has become the first player this tournament to score 50 goals. If Portugal get another game, he could well be chasing 50.

16:31

The Netherlands continue to play well, loose and confident and shooting accurately when Diogo Rêma Marques isn't able to stop them. They lead 21:18.

16:24

Almost time for the second half to throw off. The young Costa brothers have been practising their shooting during the break - they are so crucial to the Portuguese attack. But their elder teammates aren't so bad either!

16:12 | HALF-TIME

Netherlands 17:15 Portugal

Despite Diogo Rêma Marques' saves the Netherlands lead going into the dressing room. The Dutch have conceded four penalties, and António Areia has scored all four - he's top scorer with six goals. 

In a half with a lot of rotation for the Netherlands, 10 Dutch players have found the net already.

Here's EHF journalist Danijela Vekić with her thoughts on the match so far:

16:05

There's a video replay to check whether António Areia's penalty hit Bart Ravensbergen in the face; but there's no punishment given. 

The Netherlands continue to lead, by a single goal.

16:00

Staffan Olsson calls a timeout, but it's mainly to remind his men about their defensive efforts - he's pleased with the Dutch performance so far. Luc Steins adds a couple of words, less than he usually says. 

15:55

Diogo Rêma Marques is having an amazing day in the office, with eight saves (44 per cent) in only 20 minutes. Can he keep this up? 

The fast Dutch play and the extra shots they're making is really the main reason that this remains an equal game. 

15:47

The Netherlands are playing their favoured fast transitions and Portugal are doing their best to defend, but at the moment the Dutch have the upper hand with a 10:8 lead.

15:40

Paulo Pereira calls an early time-out after the Netherlands take a 5:3 lead, despite a superb Diogo Rêma Marques in goal. One turnover for Portugal is the principal difference between the two sides.

15:35

It was a fairly free-flowing and level start between these two teams, who in fact are pretty level in their mutual history with three wins apiece and one draw. In their only previous EHF EURO meeting, in 2022, the Netherlands won 32:31.

15:30

The Dutch fans in their distinctive orange are here as usual to support their team for the last time this EHF EURO.

Meanwhile Martim Costa has scored 46 goals on his debut and is already one of Portugal's top five scorers in the tournament.

15:15

The Netherlands and Portugal throw off in 15 minutes in a match which Portugal need to win - if they do, they're coming to Cologne to play the 5/6 placement match and will also get a ticket to the Olympic qualification tournament. But there's no pressure on the Netherlands, whose injury-hit squad have a point to prove. 

Find all the match details here: Netherlands vs Portugal

15:00

We're getting close to throw-off for today's games in Hamburg, and before then here's the Stat of the Day, from Julian Rux, which shows how effective Sweden are when it comes to picking up rebounds and missed balls - in contrast to Norway, who have been very unlucky in this regard.

14:44

Have you made your match predictions in the Home of Handball app yet today? There's an official match ball on offer for the most accurate guesses of the day, every day. 

14:14

News from the Icelandic camp, who have some illness - SG Flensburg-Handewitt right back Teitur Örn Einarsson has been called up to bolster their ranks ahead of their last game tomorrow.

13:30

Happy birthday yesterday to Norwegian centre back Tobias Grøndahl, who turned 23 on their rest day and is playing his second major tournament after the 2023 IHF Men's World Championship. That looks like an excellent cake!

12:30

Thousands of Danish fans have rocked up each match day in Hamburg to cheer on their team - we hope to see them in Cologne too!

12:15

A number of former players are in Germany coaching or working at the tournament in another capacity, including Sweden's Magnus Wislander. The four-time EHF EURO champion is commentating for Swedish radio, and EHF journalist Danijela Vekić managed to find time to sit down to talk about how handball has changed since the Bengan Boys dominated the sport.

11:48

The teams in Hamburg spent yesterday doing a bit more training - for Slovenia, they have a last chance of reaching the 5/6 placement match. If they and Portugal both lose, then Portugal go through; if Portugal lose but Slovenia draw with or beat Denmark, Slovenia are through. Lots to play for!

11:20

Once again we've had some spectacular saves over the last couple of days - the skill and flexibility of the goalkeepers at this tournament is quite something. Watch to see who's made the top five for the last round.

10:45

Remarkably there's only one round left in the main round - but after round 3 over the past two days, here's the best goals from some close games.

10:00

Good morning! We're back in Hamburg today for the final day of main round action and a spot in the 5/6 placement match still available for either Portugal or Slovenia. Find out all the calculations and the head-to-heads in the day preview!