NM Cup 2024 : Round 1 - Recap

The First Round of NM Cup (or Norwegian Cup) has finished. Although most teams confirmed their favourite “status” there were a couple of surprises and unexpected heroes:

Torvastad IL – from the 4th Division (5th Tier) defeated Haugesund that play in Eliteserien (1st tier). Torvastad’s team hid their limitations by showing high levels of solidarity and teamwork, as they closed well most of the roads to their goal. Jørgen Kaldheim Grønningen was always focused, well positioned and was the hero of the match by defending 4 out of 4 Penalty kicks. Impressive!!! They will receive Viking (Eliteserien) in the 2nd round.

Fløy (Flekkerøy) IL – this 2nd Division (3rd Tier) team received and eliminated Eliteserien’s Sandefjord. Throughout the match they were able to resist the opposition’s attacks. The team was very focused on defence. The goalkeeper Knezovic performed at a high level and Osestad made the most of a marking mistake and made the final score (1-0). They will receive Egersund (OBOS Ligaen – 2nd Tier) in the next round.

FK Mandalskameratene – this 3rd Division’s (4th Tier) team received the Start (2nd Tier). It was a well disputed match where the home team showed a good work rate and performed at a good level. They won the match in the penalty shoot-out by 1-1(6-5p). They will receive Bryne from OBOS Ligaen in the 2nd round.

Lastly, the performance of Tobias Helstad ought to be mentioned. In a match between two Arctic Circle’s teams (Kirkenes-Alta), the Alta’s player absolutely destroyed the home team. After conceding the first goal at the end of the first minute, Kirkenes never showed arguments to discuss the match. Helstad seemed to be in a level above all others, moving and positioning himself well. He ended up scoring 7 goals.