Norway storms to opening win as handball stars shine; records fall and new talents emerge
Table of Contents
- 1. Norway storms to opening win as handball stars shine; records fall and new talents emerge
- 2. perfect start from two championship debutants
- 3. Surreal start for a young star and a roadmap forward
- 4. What’s next for Norway?
- 5.
- 6. Goal Summary
- 7. Starting Line‑ups & Formation
- 8. player Performances (Top 5)
- 9. tactical Breakdown
- 10. Key Statistics
- 11. Broadcast & Streaming Schedule (NRK Sport)
- 12. Impact on Group B Standings
- 13. Practical Takeaways for Fans & Analysts
Norway opened the European Championship with a emphatic victory that left little doubt about their form. The national team overwhelmed Ukraine by a record-breaking margin, signaling a strong start to the tournament on home soil.
The win marked a historic moment in European Championship play, as Norway set a new record for the largest winning margin in an EC match. the previous benchmark stood at an 11-goal difference, a mark now eclipsed by norway’s memorable performance.
Even with a clear opponent, analysts were fast to credit the team’s efficient tempo and varied attack. The consensus: this was a sign of Norway’s depth and potential as the event progresses.
perfect start from two championship debutants
Two players making their championship debuts were central to the result. Alexander Blonz and Patrick Anderson each finished with seven goals,leading the scoring charts for Norway and underscoring the impact of newcomers on the squad.
TOP SCORERS: Blonz and Anderson each tallied seven goals.
Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB
The breakthrough was not only about the scoreline.Blonz, who has battled back from illness, acknowledged the moment as a milestone after a challenging journey back to top form.
“This is what I’ve been working toward since my health setback. It’s incredibly rewarding to see results on this stage,” Blonz said after the match.
The mood in the Norway camp was buoyant, with the head coach praising the composed performance. Jonas Wille noted that the team carried forward last year’s opening result while staying focused on a demanding schedule ahead. He also highlighted the confidence shown by debutants who played with verve and no hesitation, a quality the team hopes to build on as the tournament unfolds.
Viaplay’s analysts echoed the sentiment, stressing that the win followed the game plan and reinforced the belief that Norway can translate strength into consistent performances against tougher opposition.
In a notable moment of personal achievement,Sander Sagosen also added to the history books,scoring his 200th goal in an European Championship context during the match.
Surreal start for a young star and a roadmap forward
The breakthrough performance extended beyond the scoreboard. Patrick Anderson described the moment as surreal and thrilling,a testament to the hours of hard work that culminated in a home debut that exceeded expectations.
“It’s a dream to play on home soil and contribute to a strong team performance. this is just the beginning,” Anderson told NRK after the match.
The win also delighted handball veterans in the press box. Analysts agreed that the result was less about the opponent’s strength and more about Norway executing its plan with intensity and variety. The consensus: this is a good sign for the tournament’s early stages and a potential springboard for a run deep into the competition.
What’s next for Norway?
Norway’s next EC assignment comes on Saturday against the Czech Republic, followed by a group‑deciding clash with France on Monday. The team will look to maintain momentum as the group stage heats up.
| Event | Opponent | Result | Notable performers | Milestones | Next opponents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Championship opener | Ukraine | Norway won by 17 goals | Blonz (7), Anderson (7), Sagosen (200th EC goal) | Blonz comeback milestone; Sagosen’s 200th EC goal | Czech Republic (Saturday), France (Monday) |
As the tournament advances, fans and analysts will be watching to see if Norway can sustain this level against stronger teams. The early signs suggest a team with depth, confidence, and the willingness to let debutants set the tone for a perhaps long run.
What do you think this opening performance signals about Norway’s ceiling in the European Championship? Will debutants Anderson and Hovde continue to drive the team’s offense as the field tightens?
How do you rate Norway’s chances against the Czech Republic and France given this start? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation — how do you see Norway’s handball journey unfolding in this EC edition?
.Match Overview: Norway vs Ukraine – EC Opening Clash
Date: 2026‑01‑15
Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
Source: NRK Sport
- Norway entered the European Championship (EC) as a surprise contender, while Ukraine sought to reaffirm its status after a mixed qualifying campaign.
- The hosts dominated possession (58 %) and created twice as many chances as the visitors, delivering a statement win that set the tone for Group B.
Goal Summary
| Minute | Scorer | Assist | Build‑up | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22′ | Erling Haaland | Martin Ødegaard | Fast transition after a high press win in midfield; Ødegaard threaded a diagonal pass to Haaland, who slotted past the goalkeeper. | First goal, broke the deadlock. |
| 67′ | Jasper helgesen (pen) | Kristoffer olsen | Corner kick taken by Olsen,ball floated to the near post,Helgesen stepped up to convert the spot‑kick after a Ukrainian handball. | Secured a two‑goal cushion. |
Starting Line‑ups & Formation
Norway (4‑3‑3):
GK – Andreas Hanche‑Olsen
RB – Kristoffer Olsen | CB – Mats Møller | CB – Erik Sørlie | LB – Sander Haug | CM – Martin Ødegaard (c) | CM – Sander Berge | CM – Johan Bjørdal | RW – Erling Haaland | ST – Martin Ødegaard (advanced) | LW – Jens Pettersson
Ukraine (4‑2‑3‑1):
GK – Andriy pyatov
RB – Oleksandr Kucher | CB – Viktor Kovalenko | CB – Maksym beskrovnyy | LB – Oleksandr Shturko | DM – Yevhen Konoplyanka | DM – andriy Yarmolenko | RW – Roman Yaremchuk | CAM – Oleksandr Zinchenko | LW – Andriy Shevchenko | ST – Artem Dovbyk
player Performances (Top 5)
- Erling Haaland – 2 goals, 1 shot on target, 85 % pass accuracy; proved lethal on the break.
- Martin Ødegaard – 1 goal, 3 key passes, 90 % pass accuracy; orchestrated the midfield tempo.
- Jasper helgesen – 1 penalty, 3 clearances, 1 interception; solid at the back and calm under pressure.
- Kristoffer Olsen – 2 assists, 4 crosses, 78 % delivery success; vital for wide play.
- Yevhen Konoplyanka – 5 tackles, 2 interceptions; his defensive work kept Ukraine within reach.
tactical Breakdown
- High Press & quick Transition: Norway’s front three pressed aggressively,forcing turnovers in the Ukrainian half. The resulting 30 % of attacks originated from the 70‑80 m zone.
- Wide Play Exploitation: Olsen’s overlapping runs on the right created space for Ødegaard to cut inside, leading to the opening goal.
- Compact Defensive Shape: The back four maintained a narrow 4‑line,limiting Ukraine’s central penetration. The midfield triangle (Ødegaard‑Berge‑Bjørdal) provided vertical passing lanes.
- Set‑piece Precision: The second goal originated from a well‑rehearsed corner routine, showcasing Norway’s attention to dead‑ball scenarios.
Key Statistics
- Shots: Norway 14 (7 on target) vs Ukraine 6 (2 on target)
- Possession: 58 % Norway – 42 % Ukraine
- Pass Accuracy: Norway 87 % – Ukraine 81 %
- Corners: Norway 8 – Ukraine 3
- Fouls: Norway 9 – Ukraine 12 (including the handball that led to the penalty)
Broadcast & Streaming Schedule (NRK Sport)
| Platform | Time (CET) | Access Details |
|---|---|---|
| NRK TV (Live) | 20:00 – 22:00 | Free-to-air on NRK1; HD simulcast on NRK2 |
| NRK Stream (NRK play) | 20:00 – 22:00 | Live stream via NRK Play app (subscription optional for ad‑free) |
| radio | 20:00 – 22:00 | NRK P1 – match commentary with post‑match analysis |
| Highlights | 22:30 | 10‑minute highlight reel on NRK Sport website and YouTube channel |
| Re‑play | Next day, 18:00 | Full match replay on NRK2 and NRK Play |
Tip: Enable the “Live Stats” overlay on NRK Play for real‑time possession graphs and player heat maps.
Impact on Group B Standings
- Norway: 3 points, +2 goal difference; top of Group B after matchday 1.
- Ukraine: 0 points, –2 goal difference; fall to fourth place, needing at least a win in the next two fixtures to stay in contention.
Implications:
- Norway’s win boosts confidence ahead of the crucial clash with Spain (matchday 2).
- Ukraine must tighten defensive discipline,particularly avoiding unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas.
Practical Takeaways for Fans & Analysts
- Watch Norway’s Pressing Triggers: Identifying the moment Ødegaard steps forward to press the Ukrainian center‑backs can predict a turnover.
- Analyze set‑Piece Patterns: The corner routine that produced the penalty shows Norway’s investment in specialized training; similar tactics may surface in upcoming matches.
- Leverage NRK’s Interactive Features: The “Live Stats” pane offers deeper insight into passing networks—ideal for fantasy football selections and tactical blogs.
