Clear victory for Larvik
GROUP 1
FC Midtjylland (DEN) vs. Larvik (NOR) 22:26 (9:16)
Thanks to a great defence, and an outstanding effort by goalkeeper Cecilie Leganger, the Norwegian title holder defeated FCM in their own arena and gained two vital points in the opener of the Main Round.
Despite a head-to-head start, Larvik increased the tempo of their game after 10 minutes and with Leganger shutting the gate, the Norwegian defence was as solid as a rock. These two factors frustrated the Danish back-court totally.
Coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad´s team cemented the victory very early with the Larvik players presenting high-level handball to the spectators in the stands. Magic moments and skillful attacks unfolded on the court leaving the Danes totally stunned and without hope.
The FC Midtjylland players were unable to eliminate Larvik´s feared counter attacks and Karoline Dyhre Breivang and her team-mates showed more determination and a lot of ambition.
In the second half the home side from Ikast fought bravely, their back court produced nice combinations and both Trine Troelsen and Linnea Torstenson brought several goals, so coach Ryan Zinglersen´s team reduced the gap to five goals.
Larvik improved in defence, reduced their mistakes in attack and Cecilie Leganger continued to show heroics in the posts, so Gjekstad´s team hold the clear lead throughout the whole match. A tough-fighting FC Midtjylland team never gave up, came as close as four goals, but could´t endanger the Norwegian victory.
TEXT: Márk Hegedüs
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