Hedin: Double focus for Norway

The Norwegian team expects massive support from travelling fans when they play their three Preliminary Round matches of EHF EURO 2014 in Aalborg – a town situated in the northern part of Denmark with very easy access for Norwegian fans.

“There is a long time tradition for Norwegians going to Aalborg when they want to celebrate and have a weekend off, and we hope that they will come to Aalborg not only to enjoy the good food and friendly atmosphere of the town, but also to support us,” says Robert Hedin – himself a Swede, but since 2008 in charge of the Norwegian men’s team.

“We have double focus as far as our matches in Group B is concerned,” explains the 47 year old coach, “First and foremost we hope to win our first match which is a dramatic Nordic duel with Iceland and we are also concentrating a lot on the last game against Hungary where I think we have a realistic chance of getting points.”

High hopes for a talented team

Four or even two points will maybe be enough to send the Norwegians through to the Main Round in Herning and that is the main objective of Hedin and his exciting team.

“We have a great mix of very experienced players such as Kristian Kjelling, Bjarte Myrhol, Borge Lund, Håvard Tvedten and keeper Ole Erevik and some very promising youngsters,” says a confident Hedin.

The latter category of Norwegian players are the likes of the two left handed back players Kent Robin Tonnesen and Harald Reinkind, pivot Magnus Gullerud and the extremely talented 18-year-old playmaker Sander Sagosen.

“I predict a very bright future for Norwegian men’s handball, but here and now it will be three tough matches in Aalborg and then hopefully off to Herning,” concludes Hedin.