Norway crush France’s dream to take gold at home in Paris Olympics women’s handball final
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Kari Brattset Dale of Norway gets past Orlane Kanor of France to shoot in the women's handball final in the Paris Olympics Games, at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Aug 10 2024.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
LILLE, France - Norway overcame a hostile home crowd to beat France 29-21 in the women's handball final to win Olympic gold at the Pierre Mauroy stadium on Saturday.
Hosts and defending champions France had to settle for silver while Denmark earlier took the bronze medal with a 30-25 win over Sweden.
“Of course winning the game is amazing and I’m really proud for the team - but the best thing about this game was the atmosphere, I’m really impressed how we managed to feel such demand in the arena like that, full, that’s something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life,” said Norway’s top scorer Henny Reistad.
The final was fast-paced from the start, with nearly a goal per minute as the Nordics ended the first half up 15-13, with Norwegian centre backs Stine Bredal Oftedal and Henny Reistad contributing four points each.
That lead grew to 27-20 in the second half but defending champions France surged in energy, with French left back Orlane Kanor and centre back Tamara Horacek combining for nine points overall.
The Tokyo gold medallists ultimately failed to convert enough attempted shots into goals as the clock ran down, however, with Norwegian goalkeeper Katrine Lunde making 12 saves by the time the final whistle blew.
“The second half was very, very complicated, they had more power and more speed, we tried all we could try, three different defences, but they were the best, and I’m very happy for the Norwegian team because it was very good play but they were too fast for us,” said French coach Olivier Krumbholz at a post-match press conference.
French fans nonetheless united to belt out Edith Piaf's iconic song "Non, je ne regrette rien" to support their defeated team.
“I’m a little disappointed tonight, all of us woke up with the dream of being Olympic champions and this time it won’t be us,” said French captain Estelle Nze Minko.
“I’m still proud of what we did and what we tried during this game, today was just too hard and the champions deserve it 100 per cent... I’m also very happy for Stine Oftedal, it’s her last game with national team, and this game is the last amazing drop of her amazing career,” she added. REUTERS
