Five games, five wins and a place in the quarter-finals: Norway's experience at the 2025 IHF Women's World Championship has been perfect so far.

So perfect in fact that with two of their three games remaining in the main round, Norway had already booked their last eight spot, thanks to Brazil’s win against Angola a few hours before they took to the court against Czechia.

But that did not mean the current Olympic and European champions took anything slow – or even contemplated that they have already achieved something at Germany/Netherlands 2025.

“We actually didn't have so much focus on that we had already qualified. We were just focusing on the game, what we wanted to do and how we wanted to show ourselves, in a way,” said Norway captain Henny Reistad after that fifth, consecutive win. “We are really good taking each game as it is and getting the most out of it. I felt like we did that [against Czechia].”

For a team that has won everything there is to win in handball at least twice and who are current Olympic and European title-holders, Reistad is quick to highlight the standard at which her and her teammates work to on court.

 

“We're showing that we go all-in no matter who we are playing against,” said the 26-year-old. “We have respect for every team and use it professionally, trying to develop in the championship. When we will meet even better opponents, we try to make ourselves ready for them as well.

“It's me and the girls together, but I try to be aware of each player's strengths, and try to get the most out of each player in the systems, especially in attack and as a playmaker, I can help with that. I also try to have small conversations outside of the court on which situations can be good for each player.”

Norway coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad now has five games under his belt with the national team, having taken over from Thorir Hegeirsson after the Icelandic coach led the Norwegians to continental gold one year ago.

And Gjekstad and the players have quickly find a working rhythm together, according to Reistad.

“Yes, definitely,” says the current IHF World Handball Player of the Year (2024), when asked if the new coach wants inputs from his players on tactics.

“We help each other; saying the small things that can make the play better as well. Of course, we have prepared ourselves in a good way, but we also know the feeling in the game on the court, [so it is about] what can help to do it better? It's really fun that we can actually speak about some plays that we can do in the preparations and actually do it when we haven't trained on it.

“We try some plays that we speak about and the tactics that we want to try, and when those things work out, and we are good with the details which makes the play work, that's when I definitely become most happy. I am happy and it's really fun.”

Part of that fun comes with celebrations on and off court, and against Czechia, both Veronica Kristiansen and Nora Mork played their 200th match for the country – an incredible achievement considering both players have had maternity leave and missed many months due to injury.

“It’s so impressive of them as both have had championships where they haven't played because of pregnancies and injuries, and it’s because of that as well that they are here,” she explained. 

 

“What, maybe, a lot of many people don’t see is just how motivated they are and how much they actually contribute as well; saying small things which can make the team better and giving the feeling that they want to give it their all, even though they have so much experience.

“They are fully-motivated to their role in this team and I know that role and the team itself has changed over time, but it's really impressive that they continue to do what they think they can help the team with.”

Next up for Reistad and Norway is a main round, Group IV closer against Brazil, both teams taking a 100% record into the match.

And, with a big smile on her face, Reistad is relishing the chance to test herself against another in-form team.

“We're really excited. Brazil plays pretty aggressive and that can be a good challenge for us. In their defence, they are good at disturbing rhythm,” said the Team Esbjerg player.

“It's a good way for us to face some different players, a good challenge playing against some good individual players, so we need to have focus on them and stay together.”