The Blues know how to sublimate themselves at the ideal moment. This Wednesday, two days after their defeat against the Netherlands to close the main phase of the Handball World Cup, the France team found its best level to bring down Denmark (31-26). A success far from being a foregone conclusion against the bronze medalists of the last two editions, but which cannot be contested.
Very concentrated from the moment they entered the floor, the French showed exemplary authority in the first minutes. After four minutes, a first gap was created (0-3), it was even more significant in the 10th (3-7). Proof of offensive efficiency and defensive solidity which were confirmed until the break (12-17).
Against Germany in the half
Led by Sarah Bouktit (8 goals), voted best player of the match, and a supercharged Hatadou Sako, the Blues continued their domination in the second half, always maintaining a comfortable lead. A great way to have a peaceful end to the match and to inspire some fear in the camps of the Netherlands, Norway and Germany, the last candidates for the title.
“We prepared well for the match and we said to ourselves that something had to change in our behavior,” Bouktit told BeIN Sports after the match. We had to show that we have heart and that it comes from our guts. We no longer talk about handball, if we are here it is because we have the level. It’s those who have the most luck, who want the most (who will win). We had to bury them from the start of the match and not give them any opportunity to hope for anything. That’s what we did. »
In the last four, the Blues will face the Germans on Friday, who beat Brazil on Tuesday (30-23). The recent clashes between the two teams are good memories for the France team since they won in a friendly in March (28-25 and 30-29). In official competition, the last duel dates back to the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with a 26-23 victory.
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