Norway’s dream of winning three consecutive European Championship gold medals lives on after 30–22 victory against Hungary in the semi-finals in Vienna. Hungary pressured Norway for one half but that ultimately was not enough against the Norwegian machine.
Norway won the 2020 European Championship. Norway also won the 2022 European Championship. And now they have the chance to win a third consecutive European Championship gold medal after defeating Hungary in tonight’s European Championship semi-final.
But it was not an easy journey for Norway. Although they had a 4–1 lead after five minutes, Hungary did not give up and really pressured Norway in the first half, so much so that the score was 13–11 to Norway at halftime (Norway had a 13–8 lead).
A big reason why Hungary got closer was Kinga Janurik. The Hungarian goalkeeper made four saves on seven shots. Hungary also got a nice reward for the decision to mark Henny Reistad, the world’s best player.
What was somewhat surprising in Norway’s game was that they did not try seven against six when Reistad was marked – then Hungary might have been forced to step down in their defensive game in a 6-0 again.
Hungary kept up pretty well even during the beginning of the second half, but Norway was in control the whole time. With a little less than 20 minutes left, Norway had pulled away to 21–15, then after a goal by a superb Emilie Hovden (what a game the right winger had!). And when Katrine Lunde was as good as only she can be, it was simply too difficult for Hungary.
Norway eventually won with 30–22 and continues to show that they are a machine. For Hungary, the bronze match awaits on Sunday and a chance for the first championship medal since the bronze medal at the European Championship in 2012.