The world champion remains the measure of all things in the men’s Olympic handball tournament.
This time Norway had to believe it, and was conjured up a 32:25 (17:12) win. The 5th victory in the 5th preliminary round match, a confident group victory. Because the Danes played wide awake and concentrated and had fast legs in defense. And they were able to cope with this shock too…
Blood shock for Flensburg star
World champion Niclas Kirkelokke, who is under contract with Bundesliga club SG Flensburg-Handewitt, had to take a beating shortly after the break. Norway’s superstar Sander Sagosen hit him in the face with his head during an attack. Both players fell to the ground – but only the Dane remained lying there. Blood seeped from a laceration and he was led out of the hall a short time later.
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But the Danes are marching on. Because there is another man in top form who was named best goalkeeper at the European Championships in Germany. Emil Nielsen (27, Barcelona) was preferred this time over Niklas Landin (Aalborg) – and impressed in the black and yellow Dortmund look. The man from Champions League winners Barcelona saved almost 40 percent of the balls (15 saves).
Emil Nielsen had fun in the black and yellow Dortmund outfit
Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP
In the end, it was a show against overwhelmed Norwegians.
And Denmarkwhose quarter-final opponent will be decided late in the evening, can become Olympic champions for the second time after 2016. Norway will now face Sweden.
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Source: Dyn20.07.2024