DECRYPTION – Impossible, the day after his fabulous coronation at the Euro, not to already look forward to Paris 2024 for the French team. In six months, work and several pitfalls await him.
Gold, again and again. In unison between men and women, France continues to reign over world handball. A little over a month after the enthusiastic saraband of Estelle Nze Minko and her partners to embroider a third golden star on their jersey – symbolizing their third world title – Luka Karabatic and others could not leave them alone in the light. Not out of machismo or lack of gallantry, but simply because like their sisters, they are competitors eager for titles. Even in an Olympic year where all the spotlights are legitimately focused on Paris 2024, there is no question for them to misuse a title that has eluded them for ten years. Far too long a time by house standards.
“This title is especially very important for this generation which aims to write its own history”confided Guillaume Gille, who became the first to win the European title as a player and as a coach, a performance he had already accomplished at the Olympic level. “It illustrates her quality and perhaps the most important thing is that she knows she is capable of winning titles. In this year very focused on the Games, obviously winning the Euro validates our approach which was to come here to fight with the best and not to give up. A constant ambition, which puts them at the foot of a formidable challenge, now half accomplished: achieving the unprecedented Euro-JO double in the same year. Something even the Experts, at the height of their domination, had not managed to accomplish. “Usually, we lost at the Euros and we achieved great things at the Games. It’s up to us not to do the opposite”blurted out in the columns of The TeamKarabatic Wound.
A list reduced to 14 for the Olympics
Indeed, winning the Euro is in no way a guarantee of shining at the Games six months later. For several reasons. Already, in six months, given the infernal pace to which the players are subjected, a lot of things can happen, from injuries to poor form. Another fundamental aspect to take into consideration, at the Games, each team can only be made up of 14 players, to which are added a goalkeeper and a 15th player who can join the list at any time. Except that the one who is replaced is permanently replaced, unlike a Euro or a World Cup where the coaches are freer to juggle larger groups with certain members moving back and forth between the field and the stands. However, one of the great strengths of the French team in this Euro will have been its bench depth, as Guillaume Gille explained: “This victory validates our desire to come here with a larger group. We saw in this final that physically, we still had freshness and the ability to make the difference, even in extra time. All the players were super important.”
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This asset will be less significant for the Blues during Paris 2024. Above all, this regulation will force Guillaume Gille to make difficult choices, between the experience of some, the enthusiasm of others, talent everywhere. Without forgetting various tactical options, particularly on the defensive level. If all of the 19 European champions will apply for a place in Paris – barring injury before then – some have already validated their ticket. Among these, Nikola Karabatic put an end to the (slight) debate concerning his presence. At 40 years old (he will be on April 11), the gondola head of French handball demonstrated in this Euro that he still fully had his place and that he could influence the outcome of certain matches, such as against the Germany and Croatia. Afterwards, of course, he no longer has his 20-year-old legs or the same regularity as before. But his impact in team life and his sense of dedication in defense remain essential.
An attractive attack, but perfectible
In certain positions, the coach can take one or two Doliprane to treat the headaches which are sure to arise when it is necessary to decide on the goalkeeper or pivot position. For the rest, the Blues should hardly deviate from their reputation for being workaholics. Very attractive in attack in certain matches, the France team, however, showed shortcomings during the second half of the half against the Swedes, as well as in the final against Denmark. On the dock, shooting efficiency, the exercise of the seven-meter throw and this tendency to lose a few too many balls on the way. Defensively, the French displayed less stability than usual, even if in important moments, the blue wall was able to regain all its tightness. But from a general point of view, Guillaume Gille’s men mainly sought this 4th European coronation on their mentality, their combative virtues, their solidarity and their ability to not give up. And there is no reason for all these qualities to disappear by Paris 2024.
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