Norway sometimes shook France in the boys’ second Olympic match on Monday evening. Sander Sagosen scored Norway’s first goal in the first minute of play, before the French followed up and equalized. The score was then 2-2 in the match between “Espen Askeladd” and “Asterix and Obelix,” as described by TV Norge’s commentators.
From there until halftime, however, it was Norway’s adventure that was to be written further, and “suddenly” the scoreboard showed 2-6 in Norway’s favor, and the French looked desperate and uncertain. Many French technical errors and exemplary Norwegian defensive and goalkeeper play pressured France into two timeouts during the first half.
Photo: Fredrik Varfjell / NTB
At its best, Norway was seven goals ahead, but at halftime the score was somewhat prettier from a French perspective, and Norway was “only” five goals ahead at 16-11.
Steinar Ege in the Norwegian coaching team was pleased during the halftime talk with TV Norge:
– We are very satisfied with how the first half played out! Solid going forward, and we did a lot of good things defensively. We hope to continue the trend of solidifying our defense, and maybe adding a bit more pressure to our own counterattacks.
In the second half, it was France, or perhaps more specifically France’s Dika Mem, who got off to the best start. He scored the first four French goals, and after 10 minutes into the second half, the score was 19-15 in favor of Norway. However, Kristian Sæverås continued his outstanding play in goal for Norway with several important saves – which led to brilliant Norwegian counterattacks.
Simen Lyse, Alexander Blonz, and Kristian Bjørnsen continued to score. Kristian Sæverås continued to save. Petter Øverby and Harald Reinkind continued to fight. And with ten minutes left in the match, Norway was ahead 25-19. Could it really happen…?
Nedim Remili broke through the Norwegian defense almost like a barn door – and hit the post with his shot. Kristian Sæverås saved two seven-meter throws. Five minutes left, and a five-goal difference.
The difference held until the end of the match, and against all expectations beforehand, “little Espen Askeladd” defeated the gigantic French gallows “Asterix and Obelix” – handing the home favorites France their second consecutive loss in the Olympics.
Jonas Wille received the classic question “How does it feel?” from TV Norge’s reporter in Paris:
– It feels great! We are facing a very good team, so this is a great performance! I think we were patient, and even though it occasionally might have gotten a little tough – because we faced a fantastic team, we were never stressed. This is a wonderful confirmation that the quality is there, so now we will mix confidence with humility to achieve the perfect combination.
After the match, Kristian Sæverås had the following to say to handball.no when asked how it felt to be at the back today:
– It was thrilling to play an important role in a match like this in front of 6,000 French people who boo and cheer for their team. It builds confidence to show that I can do well against one of the world’s best teams.
What will you take with you to the remaining matches in the group stage?
– First and foremost, the four points and the feeling that we can beat anyone now. It’s a great feeling to have.
The Handball Boys’ next opponent is Hungary, and that match will be played on Wednesday, July 31, at 09:00.
If you want to see the Handball Boys in action at the World Championship at home, you can buy tickets now!
MATCH FACTS
OL – men – group B
France – Norway 22-27 (11-16)
South Paris Arena, Paris, France
Top scorer for Norway: Alexandre Christoffersen Blonz – 7 goals
Top scorer for France: Dika Mem – 10 goals
Penalties: Norway – 2×2 min., France 1×2 min.