Denmark humiliated by Spain in final

Spain is the new world champion in handball, after beating Denmark 35-19 in the final match - the largest margin of victory ever in a World Championship final, and a disappointing end to an otherwise excellent performance by Denmark at the Handball World Championship in Spain.

Denmark seemed unprepared from the outset of the match. The Danes failed to capitalise on several opportunities to regain their footing during the first half, including missed shots by Hans Lindberg, Jesper Nøddesbo and Anders Eggert.

Meanwhile, everything went right for Spain in the first half, who went to halftime with a solid 18-10 lead.

Spain continued its total dominance in the second half, including a run of seven straight goals to take a 25-11 lead.

Led by the Spanish goalkeeper Arpad Sterbik, Spain's defence stood strong and ultimately left the Danes deflated and dejected.

Mikkel Hansen was a shadow of himself, and Nikolaj Markussen, Rasmus Lauge and Bo Spellerberg were unable to lift the Danish team in the 14-goal defeat to the Spanish hosts.

The match marked Denmark's second straight appearance in the World Championship final. Denmark lost narrowly in overtime to France in the World Championship final two years ago.