The Norwegians beat France, the defending champions, in the last edition of this event in 2020, but the French won their first Olympic title last summer in Tokyo, where Norway had to settle for bronze.

In December, however, Norway bolstered their status by winning the world title.

And now, with players of the quality of Nora Mork, Stine Oftedal and Henny Reistad, they are seeking a further boost to their reputation as they seek to win a ninth title in 13 editions of this tournament.

That would earn them the automatic Paris 2024 qualifying place awaiting the winner of a tournament in which there are also three qualifying places for next year’s World Championships up for grabs.

Not that it will be a two-horse race given the talent of other competing nations such as three-times winners Denmark, Croatia, Serbia, Spain, Romania and the three hosts.

The Russian Olympic Committee team, which won silver at Tokyo last year, will not be taking part at this tournament following the failure of its appeal against a ban imposed in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Croatia were the surprise package two years ago in Herning as they earned bronze by beating hosts Denmark 25-19 to claim their first ever medal at a major tournament.

The 2022 European Women's Handball Championship is due to conclude on Sunday (November 20).