We had little doubt but it is now almost official: the French women’s team is in the quarter-finals of the World Championship. Unless, in the very unlikely event, world champion Norway loses on the evening of December 8 against Slovenia. This seems very unlikely. Failing to have two feet in quarters, the Blues have one and four toes. In Trondheim, in the north of Norway, the Blues beat South Korea (32-22). It now remains to be seen who the Olympic champions will play against on Tuesday. It’s difficult to say right away. France will cross with Group IV, for the moment dominated by the Netherlands but for the moment very undecided. It could also be against Spain or the Czech Republic.
Two weeks after a first duel as preparation in Caen ended with a large victory (31-19), the Blues had more difficulty this time against the Koreans. Mainly because of a messy start to the match which let Korea take the lead (0-3) and confidence. They also already qualified for the Olympic Games, the Koreans prevented France from being as dominant as two days earlier against Austria (41-27), especially in the first period. The Olympic champions are nevertheless a step above and they quickly put things back in place. Without, however, having the same flamboyance as against the Austrians. At the break, the Blues were in front (17-12) but not yet completely safe. It got much better in the second half. The Koreans stayed at a distance and even ended up lowering their flag. France never trembled or put its future in this World Cup in danger to finally win easily 32-22. Undefeated, the Blues continue to gain strength. “We had a match, if not a brilliant match,” says coach Olivier Krumbholz at the microphone of BeIN SPORT. We had to win this match, we did it. We are ready now for knockout matches. »
The World Cup really starts now
Now it’s time for serious things. Because after a big week of pools, the World Cup really begins now. First of all, there remains one last group match to play for Olivier Krumbholz’s girls and not just any match. It will be Sunday evening (8:30 p.m., BeIN SPORT) against Norway, the best team on the planet, reigning world and European champions in a room full to the brim. “We had to produce a good copy to arrive on Sunday with great confidence,” says Laura Flippes. It’s weird to think that we’re playing Norway outside of a decisive match. » Both teams will (normally) already qualify for the quarter-finals and even for the Games, that’s for sure. There will therefore not be a major stake in this duel. Except the first place in the group to know which opponent will be proposed in the quarter-final. This match will not be useless, however, far from it. Challenging Norway means passing an XXL test.
We will partly know on Sunday evening if the Blues have the means to become world champions on December 17 or if Norway is still untouchable. You will also have to be careful not to spend too much energy because the first decisive match will arrive only 48 hours later. It remains to be seen against whom. Answers to these questions Sunday evening.
