NB: Norway faces Slovakia at 20:30 in the final group match of the European Championship!
INNSBRUCK (Nettavisen): The Norwegian handball girls have had a strong start with two wins out of two in the opening of the European Championship.
In the previous championship, there was much writing and strong reactions when it was revealed how the groups were formed.
Facts showed that the host nations Norway,Sweden,and Denmark had the opportunity to pick their path to the semifinals and finals.
Swedish media used words like “rigged,” while NRK commentator Jan-Petter Saltvedt completely condemned the arrangement, calling it “totally unprofessional.”
Latter in the championship, national team coach Thorir Hergeirsson admitted to Nettavisen that the arrangement was against fair play principles.
Now he is speaking out about the “game” that takes place behind the scenes.
Hergeirsson: – A game
Yes, it is no secret that the 60-year-old is a professional who does not much care about everything that happens around the sport.
He is also an honest man who often speaks the truth.Since he will soon be stepping down as national team coach, Nettavisen asks how it has been to lead a nation that is a leading power in international women’s handball.
– Sometimes you choose not to care about it (the things happening behind the scenes), and then you end up in situations where you feel provoked. It is indeed a game.
– Do you experience it as a game?
– There are a lot of rules, and it is indeed a game. It is a world I do not like. I cannot be passionate about that part of elite sports. I am not a politician and will never be one.
Firing at the powers: – Idiotic
We turn the conversation towards what became the big talking point in 2023, where Norway was among the nations that took advantage of the opportunities to “choose” a path in the championship.
hergeirsson reacted at the time and still stands by what he said today.
– In recent years, a model has been more frequently used where several nations host championships together, which makes it challenging to achieve uniformity. Ideally, we would play in one city, in two different halls, but that is not possible, he starts.
And continues:
– Though, you can discuss the choice that host nations can select groups and opponents, which was heavily criticized last time. I have always thought it is idiotic. I have never understood the point of allowing the organizers to choose. It is,for me,a completely strange thing.
Nettavisen understands that the same solution has also been used during the ongoing european Championship in austria, Switzerland, and Hungary.
These decisions are said to have been made behind closed doors between the different nations in international handball.
He believes that rather, one should opt for a “simple and straightforward solution.”
– Place the host nations and draw groups based on seeding. That is the solution that makes sense to me. But since it is the way it is, you play the game.
The developments and problems in both national and international handball make him understand that things turn out as they do.
– handball must be humble and search for ways to increase interest. It is tough competition, so I can understand that one feels “forced” into certain solutions to make the most out of the product. It is indeed easy to sit outside and point out faults, so I will not shout too loudly.
– But the optimal solution would have been to do it differently, concludes an honest national team coach.
On Monday, Norway will play its last group match in Innsbruck, where Slovakia waits on the opposite half of the court.
On Tuesday, the focus will shift to Vienna, where both the main round and the final stages will take place.
What are the main strengths of the Norway handball team in the European Championship?
Title: Insight into European Championship Handball: An Interview with Expert Anna Larsen
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Anna! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. As we gear up for the final group match between Norway and Slovakia, can you share yoru thoughts on Norway’s performance so far in this European Championship?
Anna Larsen (Handball Expert): thank you for having me! Norway’s handball girls have really been impressive, starting strong with two wins. Their teamwork and strategy have been remarkably effective, showcasing their dedication and skills right from the opening matches.
Interviewer: Indeed, their momentum seems quite significant. Judging from the past championship, group formations stirred quite a bit of controversy. How do you think that has impacted the teams this time around, especially the host nations?
Anna: That’s a great point! In the previous championship, the debate around how groups were formed led to heightened scrutiny. This time, teams seem more prepared for the dynamics of the group stage. Host nations always carry a certain advantage, but I believe the focus now is on delivering competitive matches, regardless of the format.
Interviewer: Norway’s games have certainly drawn attention. What elements do you think contributed to their strong start in this tournament compared to their competitors?
Anna: Norway’s success can be attributed to a few key factors – their tactical approach, physical fitness, and mental resilience. They’ve been very adaptable and rapid to capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses. Also, their depth in the squad allows them to maintain a high level of performance even with substitutions.
Interviewer: Speaking of depth, how vital is it for teams to have versatile players who can adapt to various roles within the game, especially in a championship setting?
Anna: It’s crucial! Versatility in players allows for dynamic gameplay. In high-stakes situations, teams need to adjust strategies on-the-fly. Players who can switch roles seamlessly offer a tactical advantage and provide a layer of unpredictability that can confound opponents.
Interviewer: Looking ahead to the match against Slovakia,what should Norway be most wary of,and what could be their key to victory?
Anna: Slovakia’s speed and counter-attack are definitely their strengths. However, if Norway maintains their defensive discipline and controls the pace of the game, they can overpower Slovakia. They need to be patient, take smart shots, and capitalize on any turnovers. It’s all about execution when it matters most.
Interviewer: Wise advice! how do you foresee the knockout stage shaping up for Norway if they continue their winning streak?
Anna: If they keep their momentum and manage to stay injury-free,they have a solid shot at going deep into the knockout stages. They have a strong legacy in European handball, and this team’s talent and experience can be pivotal as the tournament progresses. I expect them to be serious contenders!
interviewer: Thank you,Anna,for your insights! It will be exciting to see how the matches unfold,starting with tonight’s game against Slovakia.
Anna: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well. Let’s hope for a thrilling match!
Interviewer: Indeed! Stay tuned, everyone, as we follow Norway’s journey in the European Championship!
