Norway's handball men had put themselves in a very difficult situation after losses to both Brazil and Portugal in the first group stage outside Oslo.
When Spain waited in the intermediate round's first match, the Norwegian fans seemed to have already given up. After the audience record in the previous match – 11,345 spectators – it was now only half-full in the stands at the VM arena.
"We don't give up at first"
Those who were present got to see a thrilling match, where Norway seemed to be out of the game with a five-goal deficit far into the second half.
But Norway managed to turn it around to 25–24. Spain got a last equalizing attempt on a free throw in the last second – but the wall stood in the way.
The Norwegians celebrated as if they had advanced to the quarterfinals. They haven't. But hope lives on, at least, ahead of the two remaining matches against Chile and Sweden.
It's great to get two points. We're not a team that gives up at first, says Norwegian midfielder Petter Øverby after the match.
Star player injured
For star player Sander Sagosen, the match ended sadly. The 29-year-old got injured in the last minutes and had to be helped off the court.
It's never a good sign when a player lies down without contact. And Sander is not the type who lies down if he's not in a lot of pain. It's of course a big loss for us if he can't play onwards, says Øverby.
National team doctor Thomas Torgalsen is not particularly optimistic. According to him, it's about a knee injury.
The most likely thing is that he can't play more in the championship, says Torgalsen to the news agency NTB.
Portugal 5 points
Sweden 4
Brazil 4
Spain 3
Norway 2
Chile 0
The two best teams advance to the quarterfinals.
Remaining matches, Friday: Portugal-Spain, Sweden-Brazil, Norway-Chile.
Sunday: Spain-Chile, Portugal-Brazil, Norway-Sweden.
