Victorious on Monday over Austria (33-28) in the main round of the Euro handball, the France team qualified for the semi-finals. A few minutes later Monday evening, the Karabatic brothers’ teammates discovered the identity of their opponent in the final four: it will be Sweden.
Germany, the host country, by defeating Hungary (35-28) on Monday in Cologne, in fact offered France first place in Group I. Hungary can no longer join them, any more than Germany, which will try to qualify for Wednesday against Croatia. The last match of the Blues in the main round, Wednesday against Hungary, will therefore be without challenge for Guillaume Gille’s players.
Semi-final Friday at 5:45 p.m.
The French Olympic champions will face whatever happens on Friday (5:45 p.m. in Cologne) in the half against the Swedish title holders, second in Group II. Sweden, before its last match this Tuesday against Norway, can no longer join the Danish world champions, first in this group with a particularly favorable goal difference. The Swedes cannot be caught up by Slovenia or Portugal either, who they are also ahead of regardless of what happens on the particular goal average.
Another great international classic for the Blues. “The consistency proves the quality of this team, the consistency of its performance. This places us as a reference team in the international concert,” reacted Guillaume Gille, coach of the France team.
The Danes still have to wait to find out the identity of their opponent. Germany, in the event of a victory against Croatia, is in the best position. Otherwise, Austria or Hungary can still hope for a misstep from the Nationalmannschaft.
