Chile played another great game that demonstrated their clear development over recent years, but it was not enough for them to claim their first two points at the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship. Norway, on the other hand, celebrated their first win at Spain 2019 at the final whistle, after creating the decisive difference in the last five minutes. 

At the end of round two for Group D, Denmark and Iceland sit on four points, Norway and Germany are on two, and Chile and Argentina count zero. 

GROUP D
Chile vs Norway 25:36 (14:19)

Long have they worked to develop their national teams, and it is clear Chile’s efforts are paying off. In round one at Spain 2019, Chile played an equal first half against Iceland, 10:10, before the European team took a seven-goal win. The score line at half-time against Norway was against them, but it was nevertheless a match where Chile once again forced their European opponents to play with focus. 

Norway were steadily in front throughout the game, creating the deciding difference in the opening quarter before Chile played on more equal footing. At the end of the first 15 minutes, the score stood at 10:5 in favour of Norway. 

Norway had the opportunity to use almost their entire squad, and by the end of the game the goals scored for the Scandinavian team were evenly distributed among the court players. Goalkeeper Emil Kheri Imsgard stood between the posts the entire match, finishing with 15 saves at 38%. Norway’s top scorers were Sindre Heldal, Tord Aksnes Lode and Thomas Horneland Boilesen, with six goals apiece. 

Chile also rotated through their line-up, with 12 of their 16 players contributed to their final goal tally and a solid game from keeper Vincente Gonzalez, with 10 saves. 

With a half-time advantage of five goals, Norway were clearly in command at the break. In the second period, they gradually extended their lead. As the last quarter began, the distance stood at seven, 20:27, for Norway. Chile occasionally narrowed the difference, but the two points were decided when Norway stayed in front 31:25 with five minutes remaining.

Player of the match: Thomas Horneland Boilesen, Norway