Reigning champions Norway look determined to go far again at the IHF Women's Junior World Championship, starting North Macedonia 2024 with a commanding win, 35:18, against the Chinese Taipei. 

GROUP D
Norway vs Chinese Taipei 35:18 (17:12)

While Norway are reigning champions, Chinese Taipei returned to the IHF Women's Junior World Championship after a 16-year hiatus, but the difference between the rivals was hardly visible in the opening minutes. Time after time, the Europeans pulled ahead before their Asian rivals drew level, as their goalkeeper Hsin Yun Wu registered four saves.

However, three consecutive goals from centre back Marie Mjos helped the Norwegians to pull in front, 8:5, after 15 minutes. Chinese Taipei briefly cut the deficit to two goals, but Norway already gained momentum and continued to demonstrate their attacking power, scoring from all angles.

A five-goal gap at half-time, 17:12, looked quite promising for the Scandinavians, who continued to had the upper hand after the restart. In particular, goalkeeper Kadija Mardalen played an excellent second half, ending the game with a 59% save efficiency. 

In particular, her heroics prevented Chinese Taipei from scoring any goals between minutes 42 and 54. Norway often scored from fast breaks and used a 8:0 run to extend their lead to 31:16, so the match was all but settled.

Marie Mjos and Nicoline Jullumstro became Norway's leading scorers with six goals each, and while Ya Ting Chang netted even more for Chinese Taipei – seven – it was the European team who claimed a well-deserved win.

So Norway have two points, just like fellow Nordic side Denmark, while both Asian teams, Chinese Taipei and Japan, are yet to take their first points. On Thursday, Chinese Taipei will meet Denmark, and Norway will face Japan. 

Alkaloid Player of the Match: Marie Mjos, Norway