The French handball players, gold medalists at the Tokyo Olympics this summer, provided the essentials, Friday, December 3, for their first match of the 2021 Handball World Cup, by winning against Angola (30-20), in Granollers (Spain).
In front of a small fifty French spectators massed in the stands of the Sports Palace of Granollers, north of Barcelona, the players of Olivier Krumbholz experienced some approximations in the game in the first period, with several losses of the ball. After a good twenty minutes of play (8-8), the Blue began to come off the score, well helped by the indiscipline of their opponents, punished in quick succession with two temporary exclusions which allowed the French to pass a 5-0 and take off (13-8, 27e).
Gradually, in the second half, the French women ensured their success. Pauletta Foppa, top scorer of the French, Friday night, with four goals emphasized:
“Against Angola, we knew it would be complicated, especially in the first match. We know it’s a team with a lot of physical qualities. For the confidence of the team, it was important to win. “
Next game against Slovenia, Sunday
Les Bleues were able to count on their goalkeeper Laura Glauser, who played almost all of the meeting. In fifty-five minutes, she made sixteen saves (46%), enough to give the coach a smile, who wants to relaunch her after a difficult 2020-2021 season. “She was on top. The more time went on, the better she was and the more fun she had. She was lucid in the balance of power “, appreciated Olivier Krumhoblz. ” It feels good. I have come a little way back. The girls have helped me a lot. The fact that he says he wants to revive me is flattering. I want to be there for the collective ”, explained Laura Glauser.
If the French defense was solid, the attack was a little more painful. “The rears were a bit awkward. It plays hard, it’s a little unsettling, we take hits. The attack failed, this is where it will be necessary to be much better, with more lucidity, more sharpness “, estimated the coach, highlighting the six of thirteen in shooting at half-time.
The French will face the Slovenia of Ana Gros, Sunday afternoon (6 p.m.), and will finish their first round against Montenegro, Tuesday, at 8:30 p.m. The goal will be to leave no points on the way. to approach the main round in the best conditions, with a view to the quarter-final.