Larvik Were Hoping for More

Norwegian champion Larvik HK is one of the two group winners knocked out in the quarterfinals. As the group stage progressed, Larvik fans - and many people in Norway in general – had increasing expectations from Larvik. There were some who kept mentioning the South Norwegian team as one of the favourites to win the trophy. No matter how, the 55-45 aggregate defeat from Győri Audi ETO was the end for the Norwegians.

After a 28-22 home win in the first leg, Győr left no doubt in the second match either, winning 27-23 in Bergslihallen in Larvik leading by six and seven goals several times. The disappointment in Larvik was bitter after the early exit.

"Over before it started" 

"As a matter of fact, it was over before it really started in the second match," Larvik coach Karl-Erik Bøhn said. He refers to the fact that Győr were leading 10-4 after only a quarter of an hour of the second match. This meant already 12 goals in aggregate.

"Actually, I still had some hope at half time when we were only down 12-14, but anytime we got closer, Győr managed to regain the advantage. In these two matches we were below our usual standards in general. I do not think that we are in worse form now than we were when we defeated Viborg 31-19 during the group phase back in January. We miss Tonje Larsen who was injured in the first match and it turned out to be too big handicap for our defence," Bøhn added.

Rantala unsatisfied with herself

Larvik´s Danish goalkeeper Lene Rantala was just as disappointed as her coach after the two defeats.

"It was not easy to stand behind our defence in the second match, but I definitely did not do my job well during the two games. In the second match, Anita Görbicz was especially big problem. I’m very disappointed now and I probably will be for some time to come," added the Danish Olympic Champion.