It was an even final between France and Norway in the WC. As late as with just over ten minutes left, only one goal separated the teams, in favor of the French sisters.
But then it stopped for Norway. Three goals in a row was what could be described as a gold rush for France.
Tears before the final whistle
The distance was then maintained despite France having a slightly tougher time in the game. 20-year-old Lena Grandveau then scored four straight goals, including a shot from outside the crossbar.
The gold felt safe when goalkeeper Hatadou Sako also nailed it again with an impressive save.
At the time out that followed, French players were already in tears. The final score was then written at 31-28.
“Everyone contributed”
– Of course I’m disappointed, but France was better than us and then it’s easier to accept, even if it wasn’t how I wanted it to end, says Norway’s Stine Bredal Oftedal, who has now played his last World Cup match, to SVT Sports.
France thus takes revenge on Norway after losing in the final in the previous world championship and secured its third World Cup gold.
– I feel so proud of my team. We played together and never gave up. A very good match from us. Everyone contributed, I think that was the key, says Alicia Toublanc.