(Norway – Croatia 32–26) He has grown into Norway’s most effective player. Alexander Blonz scored 11 goals in Jordal Amfi.
Thursday 9 May at 20:45
The Norwegian handball boys have laid The EC disappointment9th place during the EC in Germany was Norway’s weakest position in a championship in 10 years. behind. The good Olympic qualification in March was followed up on Thursday evening. Norway picked up the pace from the start and never looked back.
Alexander Blonz led the way in the fast party. The left wing scored a total of 49 goals in the EC and Olympic qualifiers, and continued the scoring spree at home. The 24-year-old has blossomed after moving to Danish GOG this season.
2,717 spectators in Jordal Amfi got to see the side from Stavanger wreak havoc with Croatia, who are also ready for the Olympics. On the opposite side, Kristian Bjørnsen followed with seven goals. The guests were never able to keep up with the Norwegian counterattacks.
Goalkeeper Torbjørn Bergerud, defensive manager Christian O’Sullivan and center Sander Sagosen all delivered a good game. While the Kolstad comet Simen Lyse submitted a good application for one of the 14 places in the Olympic squad.
The 24-year-old scored five goals.
– He is really fighting for a place in the Olympic squad, says Ida Alstad, TV 2 expert and former Olympic winner.
Simen Lyse made her championship debut with too many misses during the EC in January. But scored 13 goals in three games when Norway qualified for the Olympics in March, and has impressed with 58 goals for Kolstad in the Champions League.
Key player Harald Reinkind was rested with Achilles problems. While Gabriel Setterblom and Magnus Søndenå got the chance to show off at right-back where the Olympic bereavement has washed in in recent weeks.
But none of them convinced much.
The first meeting with Croatia since the drama of the lost European Championship semi-final four years ago. For the time being, it was the last time in the medal match for both Norway and Croatia.
Check VG’s guide to Olympic handball!
Norway continues the Gjensidige Cup against Denmark – without superstar Mikkel Hansen – on Saturday. On Sunday, Argentina is the opponent in Jordal Amfi.
Both nations are in Norway’s Olympic group for the summer.
