Norway reaped its first Olympic gold in the women's handball on Saturday in Beijing, downing world champion Russia 34-27.

Before the landslide victory, the best result of the Scandinavian country in the event had been its two Olympic silvers, respectively at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.

"Today's fast attack in the first half worked very well. That is the key to our victory. It is the happiest moment and it is the greatest win," Norwegian left back Katja Nyberg said

Her teammate Goeril Snorroeggen told reporters, "I am so delighted and will go to a bar to celebrate."

Goalkeeper Katrine Lunde Haraldsen made brilliant saves to secure the victory. She said after the match "I am tired. I was very nervous at the beginning of the match but I found later our rivals were more nervous than us. We had a good start and stunned Russia."

Gold medalists, the women's handball team of Norway, pose for group photo at the awarding ceremony of women's handball event of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Norway beat Russia and claimed the title in this event. [Xinhua]

"It is the biggest moment in my career. I am satisfied with my performance throughout the Olympics," added Haraldsen.

Russian coach Evgeny Trefilov felt bad about the start of the competition, "I feel regret about the result. Many people wept, but a handball match is just so cruel."

"We fell behind by a large margin after the match kicked off. Despite continuous efforts, we have failed to find an effective strategy to deal with the rivals and catch up by the end of the game. I am very unsatisfied with the performance of my players. None of them played well," said Trefilov.

Russia's right wing Emiliya Turey attributed the defeat to the mental power of the Norwegian team. "The two contingents have similar competence in handball but Norway is mentally stronger."

The Norwegian girls dominated the first half with sweeping attacks. With diversified transferring and high speed, they took advantage of Russia's porous defense and scored continuously with fast breaks.

Nyberg and pivot Marit Malm Frafjord came into limelight at the 26th minute with their marvelous blitz when Russian players made an error in attacking. Noway led by 18-13 before the halftime.

Gro Hammerseng of Norway shoots during the women's gold medal match of handball event between Norway and Russia at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Norway beat Russia and claimed the title in this event. [Xinhua]

Russia mounted a counterattack after the interval, but the assaults were too weak to penetrate the strengthened defense of Norway. It only garnered six scores midway throughout the second half while Norwegian girls have extended their lead to nine points. With three minutes before the buzzer, the lead of Norway was increased further to 11 points.

One high-profile scorer of the Norwegian squad was right back Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth who accumulated nine scores throughout the match, followed by pivot Else Marthe Soerlie Lybekk who brought seven points for her team.

Norwegian two goalkeepers also enjoyed high efficiency in savings, one with 29 percent and the other with 39 percent, standing in a sharp contrast to their Russian counterparts of which the rates were all 19 percent.

Russia won the title in the World Championships last year.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)