Co-hosts Norway confirm quarter-final spot in emphatic style

In a full-to-capacity Trondheim Spektrum, co-hosts of the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship Norway broke away from Slovenia towards the end of the first half to seal their passage through to the quarter-finals next week.

Main Round, Group II
Slovenia vs Norway 21:34 (12:17)

It appears sometimes that Norway want to be tested by their opponents, or at least make them feel like they have a chance on court.

With the score even, going into the second quarter (6:6, 15th minute), Norway’s inspirational captain Stine Oftedal broke through the Slovenian defence to put her side ahead and a scratch of the head from her coach Thorir Hergeirsson on the side of the court maybe suggested he had wondered when they would put a clear gap between their opponents.

Step up Camilla Herrem – compared to a cheetah earlier this week such is her speed on the fastbreak – and she showed her pace and skill again to make it 8:6.

With truly world-class players pitted against them like Ana Gros, Norway still do not wobble. 

Had they lulled Slovenia into a false sense of security? Or did they just switch gears?

Gros – who may still not be 100% fit – did her best, her beautiful assist on the 20-minute mark to set up an Alja Varagic in-flight showcased just how beautiful this sport can be, but these were rare moments for Dragan Adzic’s side on Friday night.

His time out shortly after the goal (23rd minute) with his side four goals down (8:12) highlighted just how hard teams have to work to even stay in the game – Gros and her team slumped on the chairs of the bench, taking in water and instructions.

But four became five (15:10) just before half-time, the distance staying the same at the break.

And that was it. With 15 minutes left of the 60, Slovenia were 10 behind (17:27), having scored just five goals in that period.

The fact that Norway could welcome back Kari Brattset Dale after a small injury and play nearly their entire squad highlights just how much depth Hergeirsson has at his disposal – an integral part of a near three-week championship.

While Slovenia now look to their derby match against Austria on Sunday to seal third place in the group and dream of an Olympic Qualification Tournament place, Norway now look to their biggest test so far – France.

If France, the Olympic champions, cannot beat them, can anyone?

hummel Player of the Match: Stine Oftedal (Norway)