Despite only one match having been played, the Norwegian handball men have found themselves in a tricky situation in the World Championship.
Wednesday's 26-29 loss to Brazil was not at all according to plan. Next, Norway will play against the USA on Friday - a match that should easily be won - but then tough Portugal awaits. And then, with all certainty, both Sweden and Spain in the intermediate round.
We have felt in good shape and looked good in training and practice matches. But it's something else to play in front of a home crowd with expectations of victory, rather than with slumped shoulders in Spain where no one is watching, says Petter Øverby.
The Norwegians took a total of 45 shots against Brazil - but only 26 went in.
I've always thought it's tough as a coach in such situations, when you get into the zone where you're burning out. What's the solution? You have to make the right diagnosis to give the right medicine. As long as I believe the players really want to get the ball in the goal, I've experienced that the more you focus on having missed - the worse it gets, says national team coach Wille.
It's clear that the Norwegians don't have room for as many mistakes going forward. It may require straight wins ahead to reach the World Championship quarterfinals.
