Norway beat Czechia to secure a main-round place

Norway defeated Czechia 29–25 in Bærum to secure a European Championship main-round place alongside France. The co-hosts had to overcome a sustained Czech challenge before pulling ahead late, leaving Czechia and Ukraine eliminated from progression after two preliminary rounds.

Czechia led during much of the first half behind goalkeeper Tomáš Mrkva, whose early penalty saves supported a two-goal advantage. Norway recovered shortly before the interval, and the teams went into half-time tied 16–16.

August Pedersen scored nine from ten attempts, including four penalties, while Torbjørn Bergerud made fourteen saves for Norway. Mrkva received the match award after seventeen saves, but Norway’s stronger final quarter delivered the four-goal result and qualification.