VIENNA, December 21, 2020 - Norway held off a spirited fightback from reigning champions France to win Women’s EHF EURO 2020 in a thrilling final in Herning.
Having led by five goals early in the second half, Norway looked on course to record a comfortable victory, only for France – the 2018 winners – to storm back and take the lead with seven minutes left on the clock.
However, in a nail-biting finale, it was Thorir Hergeirsson’s side who found an extra gear in the last five minutes, scoring four of the final five final goals to lift their eighth Women’s EHF EURO title.
The 22:20 win secured Norway’s 12th medal in the history of the competition and their seventh gold in the last nine editions.
A delighted Hergeirsson, said: “I am very proud and happy. I am proud of the team, the players, all the staff, it has been a fantastic tournament. We came to Denmark four weeks ago, everybody worked hard, were dedicated and tried to win the gold medal.
“All the players had the hunger to win the tournament and they really outdid themselves. It was crucial that they could change their game, like against Denmark or France, when they came back, we showed team spirit and focus. It was one of the best wins we ever had.”
The defeat was tough on the French, who rallied in the second half, but had to settle for a silver medal two years after winning the title at their home EHF EURO.
France head coach, Olivier Krumbholz, said: “It is a disappointment, but not a big one, because we won the silver medal and I am very proud. Our first half was bad in attack and bad in defence, but after we changed the defence in the second half, everything looked perfect. We had some trouble in our shooting, we missed a lot of shots and it is nearly impossible to beat Norway with such a low efficiency.”
Historic bronze for Croatia
In the bronze medal match, Croatia secured third place and their first ever medal at a Women’s EHF EURO after beating hosts Denmark.
Nenad Sostaric’s team were too good for a disappointing Denmark, winning 25:19 to secure the bronze – their first ever medal at any major international championship.
Croatia coach Sostaric said afterwards: “We are extremely, extremely happy. We spent the last month together, in the circumstances of this Covid-19 and being all the time together in the hotel. This is something that will stay as one of the most beautiful memories in our lives.”
30,000 votes recorded for All-star Team
The Women’s EHF EURO 2020 All-star Team was revealed on Sunday following over 30,000 votes on ehf-euro.com.
Six nations were represented in the team, which included three from title winners Norway, Camilla Herrem, Stine Oftedal and Nora Mørk – the latter also finishing tournament top goalscorer with 52 goals.
France’s Estelle Nze Minko was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Denmark’s Line Haugsted was voted Best Defender.
EHF EURO 2020 All-star Team:
Goalkeeper: Sandra Toft (DEN)
Left wing: Camilla Herrem (NOR)
Left back: Vladlena Bobrovnikova (RUS)
Centre back: Stine Oftedal (NOR)
Line player: Ana Debelic (CRO)
Right back: Nora Mørk (NOR)
Right wing: Jovanka Radicevic (MNE)
Best Defender: Line Haugsted (DEN)
MVP: Estelle Nze Minko (FRA)
