Norway wins World Championship in Brasil, another, third big title in the last three years. At the Press conference after the match, happiness and dissapointment on the faces of two coaches:
Olivier Krumbholz, coach France: This match is a big disappointment, as we didn’t succeed in defence as we wanted to, especially against Lunde-Borgersen. It was decisive that we lacked our injured players Pineau and Signate, who are highly important for our defence. I hope they come back sonn, but unfortunately Pineau will not be able to play at the Olympic Qualification Tournament. So her injury is much more disappointing than the final defeat. Norway was not afraid of us, in contrast: they were much stronger.
Thorir Hergeirsson, coach Norway: We were well prepared for the final and we saw the final step of a great development of our team in this tournament. We had to take many challenges in 2011, as many players were not so healthy that they could play at the World Championship. We started to integrate young players and played many friendly matches – including four defeats against France before Brazil. So the key to success were the development and the cooperation with experienced players like Kristine Lunde-Borgersen, who had given birth in February. But thanks to a special training program she was ready for Brazil, what was highly important as our key players Hammerseng and Larssen had to be replaced. We knew before the final that, if we give four to five per cent more than in the semi, we have a chance to win. And the most important fact in the end was: The girls wanted to win, and if they want to win, you will win. It is great to have the three major titles now, as we are always playing to win. But right after Christmas we will start preparing for the Olympics, as all other teams improve, and we do not want to be overtaken. It is a great honour for us that we received an SMS of the Norwegian Prime Minister after the victory, aside we hope for a huge Christmas present from the Swedish team, which is qualified for the Olympics now.
Angelique Spincer, player France: We feel very sad, as we wanted to bring the Gold medals to France. We were weak in defence in the first half and missed too many chances in attack after the break. Now I hope that we can improve at the Olympic Qualification Tournament to get the ticket to London.
Kari Grimsbö, player Norway: We have shown that we have a good team. If maybe even better players join our squad at the Olympics we get better an better – but all other teams work hard, too.
