The excitement is palpable as Norway prepares to face Denmark in the Women’s EHF EURO 2024 final on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Wiener Stadthalle. Both teams have showcased remarkable talent throughout the tournament, culminating in this highly anticipated match. The stakes couldn’t be higher for coach Thorir Hergeirsson, as this will be his final game at the helm of the Norwegian team, and he aims to leave with yet another championship to his name.
The tournament has been nothing short of exhilarating, with the All-star Team announced after thousands of fan votes and confirmation by an expert panel. Representing six different teams, the All-star selection features some of the best players to have graced the courts. Denmark's left wing Emma Friis, Hungarian right back Katrin Klujber, and French defender Pauletta Foppa have all been recognized for their exceptional performances for the second consecutive time, having also made the All-star Team during the 2022 tournament.
Among the standout performers is Norway's Henny Reistad, who has taken the spotlight by being selected as the All-star center back this year. Reistad is not new to accolades; she was named MVP of the 2022 EHF EURO and has also received individual honors as MVP of the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship and All-star left back at the 2021 edition of the tournament. This year, she is the only Norwegian player to make the All-star Team, emphasizing her pivotal role.
Besides individual accolades, the All-star Team recognized the youthful talent of young player Petra Simon from Hungary, who shined during her EHF EURO debut, scoring 25 goals and making 22 assists, leading her team to the semi-finals.
The final matchup is particularly thrilling as it marks the continuation of the storied rivalry between Norway and Denmark. The two teams clashed earlier in the tournament, with Norway securing victory with a score of 27-24. Danish commentaries reflect the high tension surrounding this match, especially after Denmark's impressive semifinal win against France. Johnny Wojciech Kokborg, commentator for Danish BT, expressed concerns about the team's challenges yet acknowledged the depth of experience present, saying, “They have missed much experience with Stine Oftedal Dahmke and Nora Mørk gone, but so many players have been here before.”
Thorir Hergeirsson’s coaching legacy is under the spotlight; having led Norway for 15 years, he is often spoken of as one of the greatest coaches in Norwegian sports history. His players have lauded him, including Camilla Herrem, who noted the emotional stakes of this game not just for the team, but personally for Hergeirsson: “If you pop the bubble, all the emotions will come rushing out.”
Such emotions have been building as Hergeirsson's tenure draws to a close. Since taking over from Stine Oftedal Dahmke, who retired after the last Olympics, Reistad has seamlessly stepped up as captain. “I’ve prepared for this moment, and I’m ready to lead my team,” stated Reistad, eager to secure another title for her country.
The night prior to the final, celebrations were rife as hundreds gathered not just to enjoy the game, but to celebrate handball as a sport amid award ceremonies and festivities recognizing players’ contributions. Former Norway champion Stine Oftedal Dahmke, now working as a TV expert after her retirement, shared thoughts on the rivalry, stating, “The fear of losing is greater when you face Denmark.”
Likewise, the anticipation surrounding the outcome of this championship echoes through fans and players alike. Denmark is hungry for victory, desperate to reclaim their status as champions after years of being overshadowed by their Nordic rival. Jesper Jensen, Denmark’s coach, is determined to find victory over Hergeirsson, calling this final “a perfect chance to settle the rivalry.”
With the match time set for 18:00, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious. Both teams are ready for the showdown, fueled by months of preparation and the powerful legacy of their coaches. The recognition of achievements, both individual and collective, also shines during this moment—the All-star Team symbolizes the heights each athlete has achieved.
The final will broadcast live, providing fans the opportunity to experience every thrilling moment of this nail-biting contest as Norway and Denmark battle for the EHF EURO title.
Expectations soar as fans hold their breath, waiting to see if Norway can maintain its dominance or if Denmark will seize the moment and capture the coveted championship. Whatever the result, the emotions and the tradition of rivalry will undoubtedly echo long after the final whistle blows.