Norway (NOR)

Since failing to qualify for the EHF EURO 2002 and 2004, Norway have been on an upwards trend. However, they consistently struggled to reach the podium, finishing fourth in 2016, sixth in 2008 and twice in seventh place.

Two years ago, when they co-hosted the tournament, they looked unbeatable and were poised to secure their first-ever final berth, only for a hard 28:29 loss in extra time against Croatia to derail their campaign. They went on to win bronze, their first European medal, but the lingering feeling was they could have done more.

They come back with big expectations, although key players including left wing Magnus Jøndal and line player Bjarte Myrhol retired in 2021. Coach Christian Berge is still leading the side and this generation of players has really matured since he first took charge in 2015.

Norway will also once again be relying on the presence of three-time All-star Team member Sander Sagosen. Sagosen was the top goalscorer in 2020 with 65 goals, tying the all-time record for goals scored in a single edition.

All hopes will be on Sagosen to deliver another masterpiece, but he will need all the help he can get from other crucial players to lift Norway to the final. This is particularly the case as Norway missed out on the crunch stages of last year’s international tournaments, with sixth place at the IHF Men’s World Championship and seventh at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games last summer.