Recap: Women’s handball day one

Brazil defeats Norway, 31-28

The host nation was quick to get the party started on Saturday, stunning the two-time defending gold medalists Norway at Future Arena. Led by pivot Ana Paula Belo, Brazil dominated the tempo throughout the entire game. The Norwegians never seemed to settle into the game, gifting Brazil turn overs and fouls.

Norway, who were down by as many as six goals late in the second half, will be quick to put this result behind them.

Following second half scare, France upends Netherlands 18-14

Streaky play proved to be the downfall for the Netherlands in their opening round against France. Nycke Groot and the Dutch offense seemed nearly incapable of scoring in the opening half hour of play, only finding the back of the next six times.

A. Lacrabere led the charge for her French side, scoring all five of her goals in the first half. Goal keeper Armandine Levaun supported her team’s offensive efforts, saving 57% of shots faced.

Following a lackluster first half in which they trailed by four goals, the Dutch came alive give France a scare.

Down by four goals entering the second half, the Netherlands needed some spark to get back into the game. That spark would be provided by Nycke Groot, who scored the first two goals of her Olympic Games. The Dutch looked to capitalize on the shift in momentum, continually pushing the French defense back into their half of the court and leveled the match midway through the second half.

Tess Wester saved what could have been a momentum-swinging goal at the 46th minute, rushing back into position as the French player had a seemingly straightforward play on transition. The keeper continued with her outstanding play on the line, refusing to back down as the French looked to barge the door open once more.

Try as she might, Wester’s heroics couldn’t make up for her team’s poor shooting performance, which rediscovered its first half woes. The French were able to capitalize on the opportunity and reorganize in transition play, opening a late five-goal lead that proved to be good enough to get the job done.

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