Playoffs – World Championship 2017 France
Slovenia – Norway 24 – 18 (10 – 8)
Topscorers: Blaz Janc (SLO)6 goals and Kristian Björnsen (NOR) 5 goals
A handball match where there are no goals scored in the first nine minutes it can be characterized as though one, regarding defenses and goalkeeper performances as well. Both teams seemed to be eager to make a good match, it was Slovenia in the lead 3-2, then Norway 4-7. Skof and Bergerud made many saves, meanwhile Bjørnsen for Norway from the right wing and Skube, Dolenec for Slovenia was the main scorers.
Slovenian defense hard work pays off and hosts managed to turn over the result, mostly due to lineplayer activity, Blagotisek scored three times, Slovenia went to the break with 10-8.
The match is also full of two minutes suspensions for both teams, Slovakian referees also had a lot of work to do.
In the second half Slovenia took the control of the game and was mostly in the lead with 2-3 goals. They even managed to increase the lead to five goals at 20-15 and 21-16.
Slovenia with a solid defense and much better offensive play in the second half makes a big step toward the qualification to the next year World Championship in France.
Final result: 24 – 18
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