Norway wins Olympic women´s handball gold

Source: Xinhua | 08-23-2008 21:21

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Norway reaped its first Olympic gold in the women's handball on Saturday in Beijing, downing world champion Russia 34-27.

Gold medalists, the women's handball team of Norway, pose for group  photo at the awarding ceremony of women's handball event of Beijing  2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Norway beat  Russia and claimed the title in this event. (Xinhua Photo)

Before the landslide victory, the best result of the Scandinavian country in the event had been its two Olympic silvers, respectively at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.

"Today's fast attack in the first half worked very well. That is the key to our victory. It is the happiest moment and it is the greatest win," Norwegian left back Katja Nyberg said

Her teammate Goeril Snorroeggen told reporters, "I am so delighted and will go to a bar to celebrate."

Goalkeeper Katrine Lunde Haraldsen made brilliant saves to secure the victory. She said after the match "I am tired. I was very nervous at the beginning of the match but I found later our rivals were more nervous than us. We had a good start and stunned Russia."

"It is the biggest moment in my career. I am satisfied with my performance throughout the Olympics," added Haraldsen.

Russian coach Evgeny Trefilov felt bad about the start of the competition, "I feel regret about the result. Many people wept, but a handball match is just so cruel."

"We fell behind by a large margin after the match kicked off. Despite continuous efforts, we have failed to find an effective strategy to deal with the rivals and catch up by the end of the game. I am very unsatisfied with the performance of my players. None of them played well," said Trefilov.