The French will play the semifinals of the Euro Handball against the Netherlands Friday (21:00) at Paris-Bercy, thanks to their victory over Serbia 38-28 in their last group match Wednesday in Nantes.
This is the fourth time in a row that last year's world champions, Les Bleues, are in the last four of a big competition. Against Serbia, they were hung for a little less than a period before flying off.
To reach Paris, a draw at least, had become essential after the first results of the day. Montenegro was first out of the race losing to Denmark, 24 to 23, but Sweden stayed there by crushing Russia 39 to 30. Serbia, Olympic champion, was already assured of the first square.
9 goals for Estelle Nzé-Minko. Very good from the start in attack, with Estelle Nzé-Minko still sparkling (9 goals) and Manon Houette (7 goals) found on the wing, the Blue, in a festive atmosphere, were initially not enough hard in defense. A good entrance Laura Glauser in the cage and three counter-attacks in a row still allowed them to return to the dressing room (18-14).
The rest of the match was well controlled. The gap has climbed to ten goals (42nd minute) thanks to Alexandra Lacrabère, more and more impactful over the tournament (4 goals). The coach was able to launch Gnonsiane Niombla, recalled the day before yesterday in place of Kalidiatou Niakaté. Messina scored in their first ball (2 goals in total).
France won its last shock against the Netherlands. It will now be necessary to pass the obstacle of the Netherlands. The Dutch are a very good knowledge of the Blue, if not a very old because the Oranje are the latest arrivals among the great nations. Three medalists since 2015, they remain in search of a coronation. The last big shock between the two teams was won by France in the semifinals of the Rio Games.