DENMARK – NORWAY 24-27
VIENNA/OSLO (Nettavisen): Archenemies Norway and Denmark clashed in the Austrian capital, Vienna.
Despite sparse attendance, the stars delivered yet another nerve-wracking drama.
Thorir Hergeirsson’s girls thundered out of the starting blocks in the second half, building up a significant lead early on.
They never relinquished it, winning the duel against their toughest competitor.
– we have caught up with Denmark! Another victory, for the umpteenth time, is the teasing message from Viaplay’s Daniel Høglund after Kari brattset Dale’s goal to make it 24-27.
NEW VICTORY: Thorir Hergeirsson, along with the team consisting of Mats Olsson and Tonje Larsen, once again outsmarted the Danes.
Photo: Beate Oma Dahle (NTB)
The Danes, on their side, lament another defeat to Norway.
– Damn Norway! Can’t you stick to winter sports? It is incredibly frustrating not to win, even when you keep the sport’s best player Henny Reistad out of the game.
Reistad mocked in Denmark
After a good first half from Denmark, which Norway won by one goal, there was little doubt that Danish media were very pleased with what they saw.
BT’s handball commentator johnny Wojciech Kokborg was flying high after Norway star Henny Reistad scored only two before halftime.
– Hulubulu, Henny, where are you? A very uplifting half for the Danes, who for long periods eliminated the threat from henny Reistad.
Read also: Program for Handball EM 2024
TOUGH MATCH: Henny Reistad really had to work for her goals against the Danes.
Photo: Beate Oma Dahle (NTB)
Confronted with the Danish reactions, Reistad must chuckle a little, but she is mostly focused on talking about how both she and the rest of the team have more to show than what they displayed on Thursday night.
– It’s very good to win, but it’s obviously not my best played game.We have room to improve offensively, both for me and for several others, to get a bit more flow and direct focus on the goal over time, she tells Nettavisen.
– What is it like when almost all the spotlight is on you in such a match?
– They no I am going to do a lot, both in terms of actions and how I set up attacks and that I control a lot. They know I am going to be active in the offensive play, and we probably need to look a bit more at that, replies Norway’s captain.
– Do you feel like you have a target on your forehead during such matches, both from players and the press?
– Yes, it feels a bit like that.
Raged against the referees: – Hopeless
The referee duo Jelena Vujacic and andjelina Kazanegra from Montenegro received sharp criticism on several occasions.
Among other things, when they stopped the game and issued a Danish player a yellow card while Emilie Hovden broke free and scored a goal.
– In all seriousness,referee! Hovden is through and scores,came the comment from NRK commentator Patrick Rowlands.
Viaplay’s Daniel Høglund was equally frustrated.
– What kind of ridiculous refereeing is this? In all countries of the world. It is indeed simply hopeless.
Read also: Daniel Høglund on the life crisis: – Not good when there are a lot of rumors
YELLOW CARDS: Both Jesper Jensen and Thorir Hergeirsson received yellow cards on the coaching bench after strong reactions against the referee duo.
Photo: Beate Oma Dahle (NTB)
Maren Aardahl was not gentle with the referee duo either when she spoke with Nettavisen after the match.
– I think it’s a shame that such referees get to officiate such an important match. Fortunately, it’s equally poor for both sides.
With the win against Denmark,Norway is well on its way to the EM semifinals. Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland are lined up, where the Norwegian girls can even afford to lose one of the matches.
Nettavisen followed the match live:
What were the key factors that contributed to Norway’s victory over Denmark in the recent handball match?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Handball Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with handball expert and analyst, Dr. Sarah Jensen, to discuss the thrilling matchup between Denmark and Norway. Sarah, thanks for joining us!
Dr. Sarah Jensen (SJ): Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk about such an exciting sport, especially after a match like that.
TNE: Absolutely! So,let’s dive into the game. Norway triumphed over Denmark with a final score of 27-24. What stood out to you in that match?
SJ: Well, the biggest factor was Norway’s explosive start in the second half. they built a notable lead quickly and were able to maintain it, which frequently enough defines the outcome in tight contests. The strategic adjustments made by coach Thorir Hergeirsson really paid off.
TNE: Indeed, it was a remarkable performance. Can you elaborate on how Norway’s coaching and team dynamics played a role in their success?
SJ: Of course! hergeirsson has been a mastermind in building a cohesive team. He knows how to bring out the best in players like Kari Brattset Dale, who delivered a notable performance. Additionally, he created a game plan that capitalized on the weaknesses of the Danish defense after the halftime break.
TNE: Speaking of Denmark, it seemed they had a good rhythm up until the second half. what do you think went wrong for them?
SJ: Denmark started strong, but they couldn’t keep up once Norway intensified its play. Their inability to adapt defensively was especially concerning. Even with their best player, Henny Reistad, being sidelined, the Danes seemed to struggle to find their offensive footing.
TNE: It’s interesting you mention Reistad. The Danish media made quite a stir about her absence, highlighting both the frustration of not winning and almost mocking her presence in the conversation. What impact does a player like her have on the game?
SJ: Reistad is a game-changer without a doubt. Even when she’s not playing, her reputation can cause opposing teams to alter their strategy. Denmark aimed to exploit her absence, thinking they could have an edge, but Norway’s depth, skill, and teamwork shone through irrespective.
TNE: With the rivalry between these two nations in handball, what do you think this latest victory means for Norway going forward?
SJ: This win solidifies Norway’s dominant position in the sport—especially against a customary rival like Denmark.It boosts their confidence ahead of future competitions, both in rivalry and international stages. Moreover, it sends a message to other teams that Norway is still a powerhouse in handball.
TNE: There’s certainly much at stake when these two teams face off. The emotions and passion are palpable, even more so when there’s a history like theirs. Any final thoughts on what fans should look forward to in the league ahead?
SJ: Fans should prepare for even more intense matches! With teams like Denmark and Norway continually pushing each other, every encounter is bound to be thrilling. And let’s not forget the upcoming international tournaments! These performances will shape the narrative going into those events.
TNE: Thank you, Sarah! Your insights certainly add a deeper understanding of the game and its players. We appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise with us.
SJ: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to more exciting handball action ahead.