By beating (26-25) Spain for its opening match of the main round, the France team, which has just aligned four successes in a row, took a first step towards the semi-final on December 18 next. The players of Olivier Krumbholz will find on their road this Friday (6.15 p.m.) Russia, which they had beaten in the final two years ago, for a duel at the top between the two provisional leaders. If the Habs win they will be sure to integrate the last four.
What you must remember
Faced with an opponent who had nothing to lose, the French had to remain on the impression of solidity demonstrated Tuesday against Denmark (23-20). Serious in defense but clumsy in front, they quickly rectified the shot to take off at the break (16-10).
Spain clung to Carmen Martin (9 goals), the competition’s top scorer, to return to a length (21-20, 50th). Amandine Leynaud (8 saves) and her teammates managed to keep their opponent at bay. The goalkeeper notably made a decisive save one minute from the end of the meeting.
The player: Alexandra Lacrabère
After the victory (23-20) against Denmark on Tuesday, Olivier Krumbholz warned that he would rotate his squad, which allowed some players, including Kalidiatou Niakate, to show themselves during the first half hour. When it was necessary to stop the Spanish furia ten minutes from the end, Alexandra Lacrabère then scored the two goals necessary to allow France to stay ahead.
The number: 11
That is the number of consecutive games without defeat (10 wins, one draw) for France in a European Championship. Two years ago, during their first continental coronation, the Habs only lost in their opening match against… Russia (23-26). They then took their revenge in the final on the seven-time world champions (24-21).
