First video evidence - and then ecstasy: Germany sensationally knocks out Belgium

The big European Championship favorite, with 12 wins so far, beat Spain 3-1 in the first semi-final thanks to three goals from Yibbi Jansen and also remained undefeated in the fourth match.

Ines Wanner of TSV Mannheim scored the goal for the hosts in the 3rd minute. Alix Gerniers scored for the Belgians, who will now face Spain in the match for third place, just as they did in the preliminary round on Sunday (2:30 p.m.).

This marks the seventh time the two DHB teams have reached the final of a European Championship at the same time. Both teams were also European champions only in 2013. These were the last titles they won at a continental tournament. For new coach Janneke Schopman, who assembled a new, young team within nine months, this is the first time the team has reached a final – even though they barely scraped through their group .

Her team isn't without a chance ahead of the clash against her home country, despite the 5-1 defeat in the group match. "They're not invincible. I believe we can beat anyone," said the 48-year-old.

The German team got off to a perfect start, with Wanner scoring from the first penalty corner. But the Belgians, coached by Rein van Eijk, the former DHB U21 coach, quickly found their rhythm and had some good attacking moves, but Julia Sonntag in the German goal stopped them. The DHB team's best opportunities came from penalty corners. Lilly Stoffelsma was denied just before halftime.

The visitors remained dangerous with their quick attacks, but found few opportunities in the shooting circle against the tough German team. On a counterattack, Lena Micheel missed a chance to make it 2-0, being saved by the Belgian goalkeeper. Gerniers instead equalized at 1-1. Lena Micheel scored the decisive goal in the shootout.