Rotterdam, 15 December 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Norway had to fight hard before holding off a spirited Germany team 23-20 for a fifth world championship title in women's handball on Sunday.

Twice world Player of the Year Henny Reistad and Thale Rushfeld Deila had five goals each and 45-year-old goalkeeper Katrine Lunde made crucial saves in her last big match as the Norwegians added the world title to Olympic gold and the European title from last year.

Co-hosts Germany, aiming for a second title since unification 32 years after the 1993 gold, started well and led by three goals before the half ended 11-11.

Norway came out of the break with a 4-1 run for 15-12 but the Germans were not finished yet and got back level at 17-17. However, Norway quickly made amends with quick goals from Reistad and Deila en route to victory.

Lunde was thrown in the air by her team-mates after her final big event match and told Norwegian paper VG: "It's very special and very nice, I think. I appreciated it."

She leaves the national team after 22 years with three world titles, three Olympic golds and seven European titles.

Reistad said she wanted to secure the gold to honour for Lunde, naming it "a big part of the reason why we wanted to win."

Germany had a dream run through the tournament highlighted by a first victory against title holders France in two decades before they finally ran out of luck.

"Given the performance we put in I would have liked to see the players rewarded. We gave it our all on the court and we have a team that is full of life," coach Markus Gaugisch said.

"Now is the time to feel a little sad. Then we will look ahead and it will be time to be proud."

France beat the other host nation, the Netherlands, 33-31 in extra time in the match for third place.

Photo: EPA