The victory gave Norway a lift the day before the trip home. The Norwegians got some help along the way. Semi-final-ready Sweden did not give everything in the game.
Norway was on the ball from the start and also delivered a good defensive game.
Norway started the EC with these three players in the full-back position: Sander Sagosen, Magnus Abelvik Rød and Gøran S. Johannessen.
On Tuesday, neither was available due to injuries.
Norway will either be number nine or ten in the EC. The position will be decided after Iceland’s last game on Wednesday.
Sweden had progressed before the return and let some key players get a lot of rest before the cup game takes place on Friday. That made the conditions easier for Norway.
A fresh goalkeeping effort by Torbjørn Bergerud contributed to the Norwegian team taking a 15-12 lead into the break. The Kolstad goalkeeper also stood very well after the break.
Topper
Blonz was the big name of the first half with six goals on as many shots. His right arm is both poisonous, entertaining and often painful for the opponent.
The winger has been Norway’s best and most reliable player in the championship. He finished in style while Norway kept control of the lead in the second half as well.
Blonz plays with number 71 on his back, and it is in memory of grandfather Kjell Kris Christoffersen. He died aged 71 and meant a lot to Blonz.
The Tobias show
Elverum’s Tobias Grøndahl also got a big role in Tuesday’s match, and really proved worthy of the trust.
The playmaker was tremendous at times, and showed both his abilities as a facilitator and goalscorer. Yesterday’s birthday boy finished with five goals on his six shots.
Norway’s EC ended in disappointment. The way the team, both collectively and individually, fell apart at key stages in several matches means a tortuous entry into Olympic qualification in mid-March.
Norway will probably end up in a very tough group there. Two out of four teams get a place in the summer games in France later this year.
(©NTB)