France won the women’s handball world title for the third time in history after a tense final against Norway with a score of 31-28 (20-17).

French women’s handball teamPhoto: Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP / Profimedia

France – Norway 31-28 (20-17), in the final of the Women’s World Handball Championship

The French women finally took revenge on the Norwegians, having lost the final two years ago.

The hosts of the competition and one of the main favorites, Norway, started the game well and led by two goals in the middle of the first half.

At the end of the first 30 minutes, France tied the match and pressed, and went into the break with a three-goal lead.

In the second half, the wards of Olivier Krumbholtz were constantly in the lead, but the tension sometimes dropped, which allowed Norway to come within one goal.

The final was on counter-attacks, the French women stood up perfectly in defense, and scored in attack for a sure victory.

This is the third Women’s World Handball Championship won by France, after 2003 and 2017. Two years ago, the final was lost to Norway.

Denmark defeated Sweden 28-27 in the minor final on Sunday.