The Danish team is ready for another European Mixed Team Championships final, but a thrilling semifinal tie could have gone either way.

The German underdog won the first match of the tie. Marks Lamsfuss and Isabel Herttrich, who will be seen as one of the favourites to medal at the 2021 European Championships in April, won in straight games, 21-18 21-17, against Alexandra Bøje and Mathias Christiansen.

- Both pairs were well-prepared. I think we had great speed in our legs, and we were brave and took the initiative. We earned the win, Isabel Herttrich said.

Strong singles
Viktor Axelsen is currently one of the best men’s singles players in the world – if not the best – and the former world champion secured the first point for Denmark winning 21-13 21-8 against Max Weisskirchen in the second match of the tie.

In the group stage clash between Germany and Denmark, Yvonne Li beat Mia Blichfeldt, but in the semifinal it was the other way around. The European Games champion won the first game 21-17, before Li won the second game 21-12. Blichfeldt controlled the last part of the third game winning 21-16.

- It was hard for me to keep calm and keep playing the long rallies in the second game. I feel she got everything over the net, and that was a bit frustrating for me. I told myself that I had to deal with it in the third game, and do the same to her, Blichfeldt said.

Two for Lamsfuss
Up 2-1, the reigning European champions, Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, could become match winners for Denmark, but for the third time in three ties the Danish team struggled in the men’s doubles category coming out on the losing side.

Mark Lamsfuss got his second win of the night, when together with Marvin Seidel they won 21-19 21-5 against the Danes, who they had never beaten before.

- It is very satisfying to get the win, Marvin Seidel said.

- In the second game we knew what to do. We knew our tactic and played it from the beginning to the end. Maybe, they are not at their highest level at the moment, but we played really good badminton today, Lamsfuss stated.

Deciding women’s doubles
2-2 and the women’s doubles was to decide which team will go into the final against France on Saturday.

Danes Maiken Fruergaard/Amalie Magelund won the opening game 21-11, before Isabel Herttrich/Kilasu Ostermeyer won the second game 21-18. The two pairs, who are not used to playing together, but have been forced to do so because of injuries, took it down to the wire, and after missing out on several match points, the Danes could celebrate winning the decider 21-19.

- It was a great match to play, and a tough one. I am just so happy, and I really think that we worked hard for it today. We kept on going. I am so happy that we secured the spot in the final, Amalie Magelund said.

The Danish team will face France in the final on Saturday. The final begins at 14.00 CET and can be watched at www.badmintoneurope.tv