France Handball: Draw Against Spain Keeps Dujshebaev Undefeated | RFI Sport

Ciudad Real, Spain – The French men’s handball team played to a 25-25 draw against Spain on Sunday in a friendly match, marking the second outing for newly appointed head coach Talant Dujshebaev. The result comes just three days after France defeated Spain 29-26 in Le Mans, and maintains Dujshebaev’s unbeaten start with Les Bleus.

While the French squad struggled with accuracy throughout much of the contest, a standout performance from goalkeeper Romain Mathias proved crucial. Mathias, making his first appearance in the French national team jersey, secured the draw with a decisive save in the final seconds, blocking a shot from Jan Gurri.

Dujshebaev Gives Extended Look to Full Roster

Dujshebaev used the two matches against Spain as an opportunity to evaluate his entire 20-player roster, providing significant playing time to a wide range of athletes. According to reports, all 20 players saw action this week, a departure from the more limited rotations seen under previous coach Guillaume Gille. This approach signals a commitment to building depth and fostering a more inclusive team environment.

The coach started with a relatively inexperienced lineup in Ciudad Real, featuring young players like Eliott Desblancs at the playmaker position and Drevy Paschal on the left wing. Théo Monar similarly received a start as pivot. Later in the match, Dujshebaev brought on established stars such as Ludovic Fabregas, Nedim Remili, and Dika Mem in an attempt to secure a victory.

Mathias Shines in Debut Appearance

Romain Mathias’s performance was a particular highlight for the French team. Called up as a replacement for Rémi Desbonnet, Mathias delivered eight saves, including two crucial stops when Spain threatened to extend their lead. His late-game heroics were instrumental in preserving the draw. The goalkeeper’s strong showing provides Dujshebaev with a valuable option in net and adds competition to the position.

The match saw France trailing for a significant portion of the game, but they managed to rally and equalize thanks to Fabregas’s goal and Mathias’s crucial save. The ability to fight back from a deficit demonstrates the team’s resilience and determination under the new coach.

Looking Ahead: Preparation for World Championship Qualification

These friendly matches against Spain served as key preparation for France’s upcoming playoff against the Czech Republic to qualify for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship. The first leg of the playoff will be played in Brno on May 13th, with the return leg taking place in Orleans on May 17th. Dujshebaev will undoubtedly leverage the insights gained from these games to finalize his squad and tactical approach for the crucial qualification matches.

Dujshebaev, who took over the national team following France’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and subsequent resignation of Guillaume Gille, is aiming to rebuild the team and restore its status as a major force in international handball. His emphasis on squad depth and tactical flexibility suggests a long-term vision for the program.

The Spanish team, coached by a number of different leaders over the years, provided a stern test for the French side. The draw highlights the competitive nature of international handball and the challenges that lie ahead for Dujshebaev and his team.

France’s roster for these matches included a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, reflecting Dujshebaev’s desire to blend established quality with fresh energy. The coach has clearly signaled his intention to give opportunities to a wider range of players, fostering a sense of competition and collective responsibility within the squad.

The team will now return to their respective clubs before reconvening for further training and preparation ahead of the World Championship playoff against the Czech Republic. The focus will be on refining tactics, improving team cohesion, and ensuring that all players are fully fit and prepared for the challenges that await.

The draw against Spain, while not a victory, represents a positive step forward for the French men’s handball team under the leadership of Talant Dujshebaev. The coach’s emphasis on squad depth, tactical flexibility, and a competitive spirit suggests a promising future for Les Bleus.

Next up for the French national team is the crucial two-leg playoff against the Czech Republic in May, with a place at the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship on the line. Fans can follow updates on the French Handball Federation’s official website for further details.