Back at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Norway and Montenegro met in the final with the Norwegians taking a 26:23 win. Now, in 2021, Norway find themselves in their first-ever Olympic Qualification Tournament against a host nation who have never lost any of their six qualification matches, played in 2012 and 2016.

Norway vs Montenegro 19:30 CET

Reigning European champions Norway take on home side Montenegro in this opening game of three in Podgorica – Romania are the third and final side – with both nations knowing a win would see them almost through to Tokyo 2020.

Both sides have injury issues, with the well-documented knee injury flare-up for Nora Mork meaning the winger will have a reduced role, taking penalty shots only, and for which coach Thorir Hergeirsson admitted his side will “lose something and gain something.”

A slight back issue may be affecting Montenegrin goalkeeper Marta Batinovic, but it is the loss of key left back Jelena Despotovic to a positive COVID-19 test at her Hungarian club which will really hurt the home nation, as well as the loss of their passionate and famous fans at home – although they did put on a show of support outside the team hotel yesterday, providing a much-needed boost for the ‘Lionesses’ as they are known. 

A number of key individuals involved in the match have spoken to ihf.info ahead of the game with Montenegro assistant coach Bojana Popovic understanding the task at hand in their opener.

“Everybody knows that Norway is a really good team who are just coming and winning everything,” she said. “But, of course, we see our chances in this game and we will fight for every ball.”

“We are humble and know that both teams, Montenegro and Romania, are strong teams with good players,” said Norway coach Thorir Hergeirsson. “They are dedicated and want to play in the Olympic Games also so all three teams will go all in for making it, and one of the teams will not make it. We have to focus on what we can do to be the one of the two teams to qualify.”

Norway have faced Montenegro six times, winning five, most recently the 34:28 victory in the Golden League last year.