Cairo (AFP)
"Everyone is playing very well" in 2021, underlines the right winger of the French handball team Luc Abalo for whom the difference at the World Cup in Egypt will be on "not much, individual exploits", a he estimated Sunday by videoconference.
The emblematic player of the Blues, who is aiming for a 4th planetary coronation in Cairo after 2009, 2011 and 2017, is wary of Switzerland, the next opponent on Monday who appreciates the attacks with 7 field players.
Q: Since the start of the World Cup, the France team has been giving off a lot of serenity ...
A: "It's always positive to start a competition with two wins (against Norway and Austria, Editor's note). We are smiling but we still remain vigilant because this is only the beginning. We remain focused. , we do not ignite, we try to keep our heads on our shoulders. We know that tomorrow, we will have a very difficult match against an opponent who should not be underestimated. "
Q: Looking back, was the loss and draw against Serbia a week ago, before leaving for Egypt, bad for good?
A: "There hasn't been a big change. In reality, Serbia played very well, very intelligently. They took the psychological advantage over us in the second half of the first match (27- 24) and in the second game, they had this ascendancy and we could only get the draw (26-26) but in reality, it is a very good team. Everything was not to be thrown in the trash , we knew that there were some good things, we must also admit that the opponent was better. Norway (victory 28-24 Thursday) was a little more exhausted and we know them a little better; we had more time to prepare for the match and that's what made the difference. Tomorrow (against Switzerland), it's a team that will maybe play at 7 (field players), it's a problem that we weren't used to solving. But today, the hand is quite special, everyone plays very well and understands what is possible. After that, it doesn't matter much, to individual achievements.
e of this competition, we do not know it.
We just have to stay positive in our heads and during a match, not lose track. "
Q: The threat of Covid-19 hangs over the teams: two forfeits before the tournament, and Cape Verde who could not play this Sunday against Germany.
Is it reasonable to play this first World Cup with 32 teams in the midst of a pandemic?
A: "I don't have enough elements to say whether it's reasonable or not. We're trying to protect our health, there are risks, for sure. They made the decision to play this competition, we made the decision as players to be there, we were not forced. We have to follow through with our choices. "
Q: You are staying at the foot of the pyramids but cannot leave your health bubble.
What do you do with your free time?
Do the pyramids inspire you?
A: "We don't have time to do much, I'm a little disappointed. We spend a lot of time traveling. In free time, the players go to care, we call our families, we stay in touch. contact with the outside. The pyramids are magnificent, you can enjoy this beautiful view from the hotel garden but you can't get any closer and you don't have time to be inspired because you talks a lot about handball. "
Interview by videoconference
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