Netherlands – Norway, spectacular duel for qualification to the final of the World Championship!
Article by David Istrate – Published Friday, December 12, 2025, 1:36 p.m. / Updated Friday, December 12, 2025, 1:40 p.m.
Netherlands – Norway is the second semi-final of the Women's Handball World Championship and a spectacular atmosphere is expected in the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam. The match will start at 21:45 and can be watched liveTEXT on GSP.ro and live on Prima Sport 3 and Digi Sport 2.
The first semi-final of the World Cup, that between France and Germanywill start at 18:45 and can be watched liveTEXT on GSP.ro and live on Prima Sport 2 and Digi Sport 2.
6 years after the world title won in Japan, the Netherlands will try to repeat the performance, especially since the semifinals and finals of the World Championship are held in Rotterdam. However, in the semifinals, Henrik Signell's national team will meet Norway, the gold favorite from this tournament.
Live from 21:45. Netherlands – Norway, the second semi-final of the Women's Handball World Championship
Both the Netherlands and Norway had a perfect run at the World Championship: 7-0. The hosts managed two big victories in a row: 26-23 against France (Group III) and 28-23 against Hungary (quarter-finals).
The Dutch played very well in the “quarters”, taking full advantage of the Hungarian mistakes and being motivated by the great atmosphere in the Ahoy Arena. The success of the “Oranje” national team was never put in jeopardy but, after the match, several Hungarian players as well as the president of the Hungarian Handball Federation complained about the refereeing.
Norway have been dominant at the World Cup, with only one of their 7 wins ending with a margin of less than 10 goals. It is about the confrontation in the “quarters” with Montenegro, won by the students of Ole Gustav Gjekstad with 32-23.
Reistad in action / PHOTO: Imago
Katrine Lunde, Eli Marie Raasok and Yara Ten Holte, excellent performances in the final tournament
A significant contribution to the success of the two semi-finalists was made by their goalkeepers, who make up the podium of the best goalkeepers at the World Championship. At the last tournament of his career, the legendary Katrine Lunde managed 63 saves, with an incredible percentage of 54.3%.
Eli Marie Raasokthe younger colleague of the 45-year-old handball player, collected 48 parries, with a percentage of 44.8%. Instead, Yara Ten Holtethe goalkeeper of the Netherlands, collected 73 saves, standing out with a percentage of 40.1%.
The leader of Norway is the captain Henny Reistadwho has 40 goals from 51 shots, proving his efficiency (78%). The best birder of the world vice-champion in 2023 is Nora Morkwith 24 assists.
They stood out from the hosts' camp Bo Van Wetering (37 goals) and Dione Housheer (32 assists).
