“Norway and France: The Only Champions of the Last 20 Years at EHF Euro – The ‘Lionesses’ and Northern Powerhouses”
Crowned champions for the sixth time in Europe: Torir Hergeirson, Photo: Håndballjentene/Facebook
Budapest, December 19, 2004 – The Norwegian handball team, spearheaded by Kristin Lunde, triumphed over Denmark to claim the European championship title for the second time in their history.
Vienna, December 15, 2024 – Once again, Norway outperformed Denmark (31:23), securing their tenth overall European title and ninth in the last twenty years, this time featuring the legendary 45-year-old Katrin Lunde in their lineup.
The EHF Euro has returned to its Scandinavian roots, as Torir Hergeirsson’s squad – bidding farewell after 16 successful years – delivered a stellar second half performance in the Vienna final, led by the extraordinary Hanni Rejstad, dominating their Scandinavian rivals.
The remarkable dominance of Norway, contrasted with the historic achievement of Montenegro, is epitomized by the fact that only Montenegro and France have managed to become European champions from the north in the last two decades.
Additionally, our national team secured the title directly against Norway in an unforgettable final in 2012 (34:31), while France celebrated victory six years ago when Norway didn’t even make it to the semifinals.
Along with the aforementioned teams, only Denmark and Hungary have also clinched the European title.
The tournament’s top player, Heni Rejstad, netted eight goals in the final held in Vienna, while Emily Hovden contributed six goals, and both Kamila Herem and Kari Bratsen scored four each.
For the losing side, Ane Mete Hansen and Mia Hejlund each scored five goals.
Earlier today, Hungary claimed the bronze medal by defeating France (25:24), replicating the podium order from Budapest two decades ago.
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