Spain prevented upset against brave Norway

Spanish dream of lifting their first EHF Euro trophy in history, came one step closer to becoming realityas ‘Hispanos’ managed to secure a late comeback against rampant Norway.‘The Vikings’ showed a fine example of Scandinavian handball tonight, as theytook Spain to the swordwith 7 goals from the line-player Myrhol. His goal-scoring record was matched by his Spanish counterpart Canellas, who found his range going into the second half. Last minutes of the game have seen a big fight at both ends but Norway didn’t have any more tricks up their sleeve as the score stood at27-25 for Spain.

Spain opened the game well, with 8:4 in the first 12 minutes of the game.; courtesy of Barcelona winger Thomas who scored 4 goal early into the match. Norway kept playing as Myrhol brought them within reach with his goal in 18^th minute. That was as close as Norway could get in the first half being four goals apart at the interval; 12:8 for Spain at the break.

Second half saw Spaingo to a five-goal advantage thaks to Andreu; goalkeeper Sierra should also be credited as the kept most of Hansen’s shots away from his goal. Lindboe brought back the one-goal deficit, as a turnover from Canellas granted him a fast-break

Bjornsen put the score back on level terms at 15:15 with a penalty, 40 minutes in.  Hansen was struggling no more, as he nets his team the lead, with 15:16. Two clear-cut chances from Tvedten denied as his replacement LIndboe sets the score at 16:17. Norways’s first two-goal lead came from Lokkebo, with 15 minutes to play, it was 16-18 in favor of ‘The Vikings’.

Aalborg-based goalkeeper, Erevik earned himself his 18^th save of the match, keeping a penalty from Thomas. Hansen comes to play once again, delivering a two-goal lead for Norway with 10 minutes left until the final whistle. The Norwegians won’t be counting chickens just yet, as the Spanish variety in defense (5-1) did wonders to get them back into the game. Errors came from the Norwegian defense, allowing Spain to score 4-1 run, mainly thanks to Canellas’ efforts from the 7-meter line. Canellas brought the difference back to one for his team, replacing Thomas as the penalty taker;23:22.

Goals came from Thomas Andreu And Canellas, contested by Tonesen and Kjellingto se Norway back with a chance of taking something from this game in the last minute, with 26-25. Coach Hedin was reluctant to push his defense forward in the last thirty seconds, thus depriving his team a chance of taking one point.It was Ugalde who sealed their faith with two seconds remaining on the clock, making it 27-25 in favor of the World Champions.After this win, Spain is through to the Main Round, but will battle for the top of he group in a direct duel with Iceland, while Norway will seek their chance in match against Hungary on Saturday.

TEXT: NEMANJA SAVIC