The Danish women's team is expected to contend for a medal, possibly gold, when all is said and done at these Olympics. The Americans, after making a disappointing debut in the 1996 Games, simply want to earn a spot in the medal round. They probably had 10 goals on transition, and that was the difference. Our offense needs to shoot and get back. Until that happens, we're going to get killed by everybody.
Team handball is a fast-paced game that combines elements of basketball, soccer and water polo.
The game is played on a court slightly larger than a basketball court, and the women use a ball weighing 12 to 14 ounces and measuring 21 to 22 inches in circumference. Players may bounce the ball off the floor into the goal or shoot directly into the net. The sport originated in Denmark in the 1920s and was added as an Olympic sport in 1972. Women's handball was added to the Games four years later in Montreal. Denmark's fans made themselves right at home, wearing funny hats and painting their faces in the nation's red and white colors.