It was certainly not business as usual when Denmark and Norway clashed in their first game of the Golden League tournament thursday evening.
Denmark's national team coach Jesper Jensen was absent, while Norway did not have Thorir Hergeirsson to lead them from the sideline for the first time in 15 years. At the same time both countries fielded two sides where a huge number of unexperienced players were handed a chance to shine.
After nine games without a win Denmark finally got the better of the World Champions who apart from twins twins Thale - and Live Rushfeldt Deila, suffered from the absence of all their stars.
The Golden League is a four-nation handball tournament organized by Denmark, Holland and Norway and takes place every other year/season. The national teams of the three confederations are always represented, while a fourth country is invited.
Anne Mette Hansen, Kristina Jorgensen, Michala Moller and Anna Kristensen starred as the experienced players in a Danish side where Odense winger Anna Grundtvig proved that she could be a contender for a solid spot in the squad.
Grundtvig proved a constant threat for the Danes and her six goals helped Denmark keep up with Norway in a first half which 13-13.
Norway have a history of turning up the heat when it matters and they have often succeed in turning completely hopeless situations to their own advantage.
But after the break, it was Denmark who took charge largely thanks to Anne Mette Hansen who showed the way for the Danes, who pushed ahead by four goals in the middle of the second half and they never surrendered their lead.
Denmark will face Hollnad on Saturday and Poland on Sunday.