City of October 6 (Egypt) (AFP)
French handball players qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2021 World Cup in Egypt, thanks to their success against Portugal, as did Norway, Sweden and Egypt, on Sunday in their last matches in the main round.
The French left Euro-2020 last year in the first round, weighed down by an entry defeat against Portugal and eliminated after a setback against Norway.
Twelve months later and with a new coach (Guillaume Gille having replaced Didier Dinart after the Euro fiasco), the Blues took their revenge on these two teams.
For their first match of the 1st round of the 2021 World Cup, they dominated Norway (28-24) of Sander Sagosen.
On Sunday for the last game of the main round, they outclassed Portugal in their most complete game in a year.
Even the Portuguese attacking game with seven outfielders did not disturb French mechanics.
The tricolor full-back was breathtaking, with Dika Mem and Timothey N'Guessan (back after a groin injury) each scoring five goals.
The winger Hugo Descat, unstoppable on his wing and in fast play, concluded the meeting top scorer (8 goals).
In the quarterfinals, the French will face the loser of the match between Spain and Hungary, who face each other on Monday and who have already qualified for the quarterfinals.
Norway, beaten by France for its entry into the competition, rose to the quarterfinals, thanks to its victory against Iceland (35-33), and the success of the French over Portugal.
Sander Sagosen's teammates will face the winner from Spain-Hungary.
Sweden dominated Russia (34-20) and also qualified for the quarter-finals.
Unbeaten in six matches (four wins and two draws), the Swedes will have to wait to know their opponent, between Argentina, Croatia or Qatar.
Egypt won against a Slovenia team weakened by several sick players, and reached the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The hosts, who confirm their return to the fore (8th of the World Cup-2019), will face the Danes, reigning world champions.
© 2021 AFP