Norway is already set for the quarter-finals after winning three out of three matches in the Olympic group stage before today’s game. In the upcoming matches, the Handball Boys will compete for the best possible placement in group B.
Norway got off to a good start in the match against Egypt when Sebastian Barthold scored the first goal while Torbjørn Bergerud made a penalty save at the back. The teams were evenly matched in the opening minutes, which were relatively low-scoring.
Both teams showcased solid attacking play, resulting in a score of 5-4 after fifteen minutes played. Egypt took their time in attack and created good chances. At the opposite end of the court, the Handball Boys were more impatient, allowing Egypt to take the lead.
Bergerud delivered several good saves in the first half. Forward, Harald Reinkind got off to a good start for the Handball Boys, well supported by teammate Tobias Grøndahl, who scored his 100th national team goal before the break.
Egypt stepped it up in the final minutes of the first half and went into halftime with a 14-13 lead.
Photo: © 2024 Sasa Pahic Szabo / kolektiff
Norway struggled to close the gaps in defense, but with good goalkeeping and fast attacking play, the Handball Boys took the lead five minutes into the second half. Shortly after, Magnus Gullerud saw red, and the Egyptians regained the lead.
Midway through the half, the young players, who performed excellently in the previous match against Hungary, received renewed trust from Jonas Wille. Egypt entered a seven-minute goal drought, and Norway was able to take over and increase their lead. The score was 21-20 with ten minutes remaining.
As in the first half, the Egyptians raised their game towards the end, leading by two goals with three minutes left. Norway reduced the score to 25-26 half a minute before the end and had the chance to equalize, but failed to outsmart the Egyptian goalkeeper.
Egypt eventually won 26-25 after an extremely exciting match, marking the Handball Boys’ first Olympic loss as a fact.
On Sunday, the Handball Boys will play their last group stage match, where they face Denmark, who are undefeated so far in the Olympics. The match will take place at 19:00 and will be broadcast on TVNorge and the streaming service Max.
FACTS
Olympics Men, Group Stage
Norway – Egypt 25–26 (13-14)
South Paris Arena 6, France
Top Scorer Norway: Harald Reinkind – 7 goals
Top Scorer Egypt: Yahia Omar – 7 goals
Disciplinary Actions: Norway 2×2 min., Egypt 2×2 min.