The European Men’s Handball Championship Kicks Off Today
The anticipation is palpable as the European Men’s Handball Championship commences today. Iceland’s national team is gearing up for their opening match against Italy, set to take place tomorrow in Kristianstad, Sweden. Having arrived on the scene yesterday, the team is ready to make an impression.
Bjarki Már Elísson and Janus Daði Smárason, two key players, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness. Their recent participation in a training tournament in France bolstered their spirits; they secured a convincing victory against Slovenia but faced a narrow loss against the French team on Sunday.
“Everything went quite well,” remarked Bjarki Már. “The matches were competitive, and the training sessions were productive. Sure, it would have been nice to either draw or win against France, but overall, I’m pleased with our progress.”
Janus Daði echoed these sentiments: “The quality of our performance was excellent, and we maintained a high tempo throughout. We managed to simulate some intensity in training, which I consider a positive indicator moving forward.”
For those interested, interviews with Bjarki and Janus can be viewed [here in the player].
Looking Ahead to Italy
As the first match against Italy approaches, both players believe the team’s preparations have been strong, with only minor adjustments needed.
“Isn’t it just about putting together 60 solid minutes?” Janus Daði mused when asked what could be improved. “We need to eliminate the weaker moments. Consistency is key, and I believe we have the talent to achieve that.”
Bjarki shared a similar perspective, pointing out that he sees little that needs addressing: “Our defense was solid; we can build on that. The coaches have been working on strategies during video meetings, while we in the cornerbacks are doing our best to stay vigilant.”
“Right now,” he added, “we’re fine-tuning these elements in training and meetings, so we’ll be prepared for Italy.”
Upcoming Matches for Iceland in the European Championship 2026
- Friday, January 16 – 17:00: Iceland vs. Italy
- Sunday, January 18 – 17:00: Iceland vs. Poland
- Tuesday, January 20 – 19:30: Iceland vs. Hungary
All of Iceland’s matches will be broadcast live on RÚV and Rás 2.
