Denmark Prepares for World Cup Quarterfinal Against Brazil in Oslo

Denmark's handball team faces a unique challenge in the World Cup quarterfinal against Brazil, potentially playing in a half-empty arena in Oslo's Unity Arena.

The Danish handball team is set to face a unique challenge when they take on Brazil in the Handball World Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday evening. After playing six matches in front of a packed and energetic crowd in Herning, Denmark, the team may have to adapt to a half-empty arena in Oslo's Unity Arena. This change in atmosphere could impact the team's performance, as they will not have the same level of crowd support to draw energy from.

Rasmus Lauge acknowledges the difference this will make, but remains confident in the team's ability to adapt. “We have to prepare in a slightly different way, but we have experienced it during many other championships, where we also were forced to take it upon ourselves to create an atmosphere on neutral ground or away for that matter,” Lauge said. The team will need to find ways to motivate themselves and create their own energy in the absence of a full and vocal crowd.

As of 48 hours before the match, only around 5,000 tickets had been sold for the match in the Unity Arena, which has a capacity of around 12,000 spectators. National coach Nikolaj Jacobsen notes the difference this will make compared to their previous matches. “It will of course be a different experience from enjoying the support of 15,000 Danes,” Jacobsen said. “Now we have to see how many will turn up on Wednesday. We usually get great support, so I wonder if there are some Danes who will find their way to Oslo.” Jacobsen emphasizes the importance of maintaining motivation and desire, even in the absence of a full crowd. “We must make sure that we maintain the same motivation and desire in the arena as if there had been 15,000 spectators roaring us on.”

Thomas Arnoldsen believes that the importance of the match will help the players stay focused, regardless of the crowd size. “Regardless of whether it is half-empty, we have to play a World Cup quarter-final, so there is certainly no lack of motivation,” Arnoldsen said. The match against Brazil is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 17:30.