Malmö (Sweden) (AFP)
Norway took a big step towards the semi-finals of the Euro handball by winning its fifth victory in five games against Sweden, 23-20, on Sunday in Malmö.
The Norwegians, who have two games left in this main round, could secure their place in the last four on Tuesday against Iceland.
The Swedes, who had already lost twice to Slovenia and Portugal, will not see the final phase organized next weekend in their capital, Stockholm.
After the premature eliminations of France and Denmark, this is the third sensation of this Euro, often conducive to surprises in its pre-Olympic edition.
Already leading four goals at the break (12-8), the Norwegians have never been worried. Paris semi-center SG Sander Sagosen was again the top scorer with 8 goals. Goalkeeper Torbjoern Bergerud made 13 saves.
Norway is alone at the head of their group ahead of Slovenia, which lost for the first time in the tournament against Hungary 29 to 28 and must now share second place with the Magyars.
Distanced by 4 goals in the first period (15-11), the Hungarians went ahead after the break and managed to maintain their lead in the "money time". Their center pivot Bence Banhidi was the top scorer of the match with 9 goals.
Remarkable since the start of the Euro and in particular France's knockout, Portugal suffered a break against Iceland, 28 to 25. After a disastrous start (7-1), the Portuguese raised the bar , even briefly leading at the start of the second period, but again faltered at the end against the teammates of the center center Janus Smarason (8 goals).
The second ticket for the semi-finals will be played between Slovenia, Hungary (4 points each), Iceland and Portugal (2 each) during the last two days.
© 2020 AFP