The Norwegian women’s handball team will be seeking a third consecutive Olympic title at the Rio 2016 Games, and host nation Brazil – the current world champions – are likely to be their biggest obstacle. However, far from fearing a hostile reception at the Future Arena in Barra Olympic Park, the Europeans are looking forward to a carnival atmosphere in the stands.

“I think that Brazilian celebration is the best, because it is just joy, it is helping both teams, they are just dancing and having fun,” said Norway left wing Camilla Herrem. “They know how to do fair play, they do not boo as some do, and this is so much better, because this way you have the best atmosphere as a whole.”

Herrem and her team-mates were in Brazil last month, training with their Brazilian counterparts in Rio and then playing two friendly matches against them in São Paulo, with each side winning one match. Off the court, the Norwegians got a taste for Brazilian culture – although Herrem believes they need a little help with some aspects.

“The music, of course, is very nice, but it would be better if we could dance,” she said. “We have no rhythm, we have stiff bodies, so we can’t move! Maybe the Brazilians can teach us how to dance.”

While many people assume Brazilian sports culture is limited largely to football and volleyball,  the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are showing there is much more to the national sporting palate. In the first phase of ticket sales for Brazilians, 114 sessions sold out – including the men’s and women’s handball finals and the medal matches of another 21 sports, such as triathlon, marathon swimming and synchronised swimming.

The Brazilian women’s team, who play their first match at the Toronto Pan American Games today (16 July) against Puerto Rico, have called on their fans to make a difference.

“The fans will help this event in Brazil to be spectacular. They will be able to score a goal for us.” said Duda Amorim, the 2014 world player of the year. “I hope we reach the final and that the fans are there with us throughout, sending us all their positive vibes. Brazilians are warm and they know how to cheer. I hope we can reward them with a medal.”

Alexandra Nascimento, the 2012 player of the year, has already played in three Olympic Games, but knows that her emotions will be different in Brazil.

“The Games at home will give me butterflies in my stomach,” she said. “I’ve always competed in the Olympic Games away from home, and we go onto the court thinking about our family and handball fans in Brazil. And now, to have the opportunity to play at home, in front of a full house, is a great feeling.”