Norway to final on overtime

Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning

Second Semifinal

Norway –  Romania 35-33(17 – 14)

Norway: Grimsbø, Solberg – Kristiansen 6, Alstad 2, Løke 5, Skogrand 2, Mørk 8, Oftedal 6, Sulland, Wibe, B.Riegelhuth, Kurtovic 1, Herrem 4, Solberg 1, Tomac

Romania: Ungureanu, Munteaunu – Szűcs, Pintea, Nechita 6, Neagu 8,Bradeanu 1, Perianu 1 , Marin, Ardean-Elisei 3, Manea 6, Tanasie, Geiger 3, Buceschi 4, Vizitiu, Chiper

Like a storm, took the two semifinalist teams the arena in Herning, where Norway could feel at homecourt, with thousands of Norwegian fans on the stands.

It was not any easy game, close and balanced, exciting and changing. Chasing the result to 9-9, Norway pushed on the metal, 14-10. As expected, Neagu and Mørk was the huge players of the match, but Kristiansen and Løke on Norwegian side has helped to get the lead. Manea, Buceschi and Ungureanu in the goal contributed as well, keeping Romania in the game.

Half time: 17 – 14.

An early two minutes suspension put Norway in trouble, fast Romanian goals, 17-16, 18-17. The gap increased again due to Løke, Oftedal and Sanna Solberg, 20-17, but Neagu and Romania did not give up and equalized 20-20. Without goalkeeper Norway lost the ball in attack and Ardean Elisei scored an easy goal, Romanian lead, 20-21.

Started a close race with two goals Romanian lead, 21-23, than 25-24 for Norway. Molid got her third two minute suspension, followed by a red card.

26-25 whensix minutes left, Romania leveled the game again 26-26. One goal Norwegian lead and Ungureanu saves another penalty, her third in this game, 27-27 –  Geiger from rightwing.  Excitement in the dying minutes, none of the teams can decide the outcome and the match goes in extra times, with a crucial Grimsbø save in the very last second.

Final result: 27-27.

Extra times, 2 x 5 minutes:

Two Norwegian goals by Oftedal and Løke, 29-27, than Nechita reduced, 29-28. Penalty for  Norway. Ida Alstad put the ball in the goal, 30-28, but  Geiger answered quickly, 30-29. Last seconds of first extra time Løke scored again for a two goals lead, 31-29-

Stine Skogrand secured Norway 32-29, but Romania answered with two fast goals-Bradeanu and Perianu, slight difference again, 31-30, Oftedal suspended. Kristiansen fast break gave penalty and Ida Alstad did not miss, 34-32.

Followed Nechita from right wing for 34-33, than Herrem finished the game from wing, 35-33 and Norway is in final.

Result after extra times: 35-33.

Best player of the match: Heidi Løke (NOR)