As expected, Norway was some too big a number against Kazakhstan in the opening match of the World Cup. The Norwegian women’s handball controlled the game from start to finish, and won the match 46-18. A goal difference of 28 goals, and Norway took the first lead in the championship.

– It’s a good match and everyone has to play a part. “It wasn’t the most exciting match, but it was nice to run a bit,” Herrem told Viaplay after the game.

Debutant praised

Emilie Hovden became Norway’s top scorer with seven goals in her first World Cup game, while Camilla Herrem was named the field’s player of the year.

– I think we made a good effort. We brought confidence and good training, continued the winger.

Nora Mørk believes that the World Cup has not started properly. He believed that the level difference between the teams was too big.

– Unfortunately, there is a big difference, and maybe not so pleasant to look at. It’s more fun to play regular matches, and I feel the World Cup starts in earnest against Romania on Tuesday. We just need to use the training we have, Mørk told NRK.

In addition, the star paid tribute to today’s debutant Emilie Hovden.

– Very, very good and solid. It’s another match that suits him, with lots of racing. He’s toxic on the counter and good alone with the goalkeeper. We have seen this in Storhamar for a long time. “I’m happy on his behalf and that’s cool,” said Mørk.

The debutant was happy after being the top scorer in the inaugural match of the championship.

– It’s really cool to play there. The first championship game was huge, Hovden told NRK.

– There is always anxiety before the game. But one should try to enjoy it and be in the here and now. You have to do what you do in every game.

Replacing the whole team

Norway were the big favorites before the game, but Kazakhstan started well and took the lead at the start. It didn’t last long. After five minutes, the Norwegian woman got up and left.

Herrem was accurate from the edge and scored three goals on the rap. This means Norway are already in the lead by five goals ten minutes into the game.

The women’s handball team continued to advance above Kazakhstan, and when it was 15-6 more than 20 minutes into the round, Thorir Hergeirsson replaced the whole team with the exception of goalkeeper Katrine Lunde.

– I think it’s OK to give everyone time on the pitch, says handball expert NRK Geir Oustorp on NRK radio broadcast.

When the goal difference reaches ten, most of it is in the box.

– The victory march is underway just as it would be in this group game, said NRK commentator Patrick Rowlands.

Herrem, Stine Bredal Oftedal and Sanna Solberg-Isaksen each scored four goals before half-time.

– Good counterattack. We are trained on what we are going to do in the attacking game. Not all worlds are in a defensive game, we are careless and backwards and don’t take it too seriously. Approved minus, concluded Seize.

Win comfortably

Kazakhstan also started the second half well, but that didn’t help much as Norway kept running.

Hergeirsson rolled a lot in the team, but goals did not wait. Emilie Hovden played well in the second half and scored a total of seven goals in the opener.

The highlight of the half came with Nora Mørk’s first goal in the finish. Herrem jumps from her edge position and invites Mørk over to the pilot whom she cashes in at the finish. A real treat that many will probably repeat.

“It’s not today that we expect the greatest joy,” Rowlands said.

Irina Alexandrova became Kazakhstan’s top scorer with her seven goals, but to no avail. Norway ended up winning the match 46-18.

• For the first time, 32 teams took part in the World Handball Championship. Norway will face Iran and Romania in the remaining group stage matches. You can listen to the match on NRK Sport on the radio.