Trio around Norway books World Cup main round ticket

With the next big win, the Norwegian handball players have secured their ticket to the main round of their home World Cup early.

The defending champions once again played themselves into a frenzy with a 45:28 (21:12) win against Austria and celebrated their second victory in the second preliminary round game of Group C.

The co-hosts from Sweden and Denmark are also on course for the main round after their opening victories.

While the Swedes in Group A were in a scoring mood in the 36:24 (22:8) against China, especially in the first half, the Danes in Group E won against the Serbian selection 25:21 (10:12) after halftime deficit. World and European champion Norway had already shown no weaknesses against Greenland (43:11) two days earlier.

Like Norway, Brazil also advanced to the next round early thanks to a 46:15 (25:5) against Kazakhstan and Spain with a 32:20 (16:12) against Ukraine.

With 4-0 points each, both nations confidently lead Group G, and on Sunday there will be a direct duel in the preliminary round showdown.

The German selection of national coach Markus Gaugisch will be challenged for the second time on Saturday (6:00 p.m./Sportdeutschland.TV), after their opening success, Emily Bölk and Co. will meet Iran.

ttn-9