National Handball Team Prepares for World Championship
On Monday, the best female handball players from the Faroe Islands gathered for their first practice ahead of the World Championship, set to kick off with a match against Montenegro in Trier on November 26.
In a challenging turn of events, two players from H71, Karin Egholm and Anna Elisabeth Halsdóttir Weyhe, are dealing with minor injuries, prompting Joan Johannesen from Kyndil and Hervør Niclasen from Neisturin to step in for the training session.
Coach Claus Mogensen expressed optimism: “We expect Anna Elisabeth and Karin will be ready for the World Championship.”
Among those making a much-anticipated return is goalkeeper Annika Fríðheim Petersen, who is back after giving birth in September.
“I knew I wanted to participate in the World Championship, but it wasn’t entirely up to me. I’m thrilled to be back,” said the goalkeeper, who will compete with Rakul Wardum and young talent Gyltu á Neystabø for her place on the national team.
When asked about her current state, she remarked, “That’s a good question. I’ve been working closely with the coaches and doing my best to support my fellow teammates. Together with Rakul and Gylta, we are crucial for the team’s improvement,” said the EH Aalborg goalkeeper.
The opening match against Montenegro will be a significant test, especially since the team previously faced difficulties against them during the European Championship qualifiers, led by the formidable Tatjana Brnovic. This week, they will also prepare to face Spain, another team known for its powerful lineup.
“We struggled against Montenegro before, and Spain will be another challenge with its skilled players,” noted Coach Mogensen.
The Faroese team also has Paraguay in their group, which was a late addition to the tournament. The match against them could be pivotal for advancing in the tournament.
“We dream of progressing to the next round, as that will offer us the best games. A crucial match will be our last one against Paraguay, which we should have a good chance of winning,” the coach added. Annika Fríðheim Petersen echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will definitely win against Paraguay and aim to move further to the middle round in Dortmund. I believe this is a realistic goal.”
The national team will train in the Faroe Islands all week before a friendly match against Iceland on Saturday at Tjarnarfólk. The game will be broadcast live on Kringvarpið starting at 18:50.
