Denmark looked to be heading for a long-awaited final place. But Henny Reistad and Norway had other plans. The Norwegian fixture accounted for 15 goals in this modern overtime classic won by Norway 28-27 – after a goal in the absolute last second.
Althea Reinhardt, with a history of concussions, took a shot to the head during the warm-up and was in doubt for the semifinal between her Denmark and Norway. But Reinhardt came to play from the start and the Danish national team captain Jesper Jensen can thank his lucky star for that.
Reinhardt came in and played big from the start and after seven minutes of play she had put her Denmark into a 5–1 lead. After the leaden start, the Norwegians certainly managed to stop the bleeding a little, but at halftime they were 9-14 behind.
Norway on the hunt
But at the beginning of the second half, Norway put their foot down and before the final quarter, the Norwegians, and above all Henny Reistad, had reduced several times again, which made the score 18-17 in Denmark’s favour.
Even though the momentum had shifted, the Norwegians did not manage to get an equalizer against the fiercely fighting Danish defense. Instead, Louise Burgaard and Kristina Jørgensen could take turns to raise the roof with their distance shooters in the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning.
Highly dramatic ending
Thus, it was the home team that was in driving mode for the final five minutes. But once again Norway rose to nine and when first Skogrand and then Reistad scored two quick goals, 22-20 had suddenly turned into 22-22 with two minutes remaining.
When less than a minute remained, newly substituted Sanna Solberg received the ball on her left wing. With a great angle, Solberg was able to jump in and give his Norway the lead for the first time in the match.
With four seconds remaining, Solberg then starred again – but this time it was for an inside cover, which resulted in a penalty for Denmark. A penalty which was then managed by Kristina Jørgensen and all of a sudden extra time was waiting.
Reistad’s dominance
In extra time, the best player of the match, Henny Reistad, continued with his enormous dominance. Reistad was responsible for four straight goals – goals that kept them level with Denmark.
Reistad then stepped forward and sent there 28-27 via a penalty throw. A goal that was Reistad’s 14th (!) in this semi-final. Kristina Jørgensen then equalized with another lead penalty, but there was half a minute left for the Norwegians and it was too much time for Henny Reistad.
Norway looked set to settle for another overtime, but the ball ended up in Henny Reistad’s hands again and from distance she dunked to make it 29-28 for Norway – her 15th of the game.
Reistad’s enormous display means that Norway has now secured another final, where they can secure another championship gold. The final will be played at 18:00 (CET) on Sunday.
Denmark–Norway 28–29 (14–9)