Tokyo (AFP)
The French handball players started their Olympic tournament with a narrow victory against Hungary (30-29) on Sunday at the Yoyogi stadium in Tokyo.
A first welcome success for the Blues who inherited at the Games a dense group in the first round with from Tuesday Spain, then Sweden, Russia (under neutral flag) and finally Brazil.
But the players of Olivier Krumbholz, in search of the only title they lack - Olympic gold - almost revived their bad habit: the unexpected defeat in the inaugural match.
Like against South Korea, here in Japan at the 2019 World Championship in Kumamoto.
As at Euro-2018 and before it, the World-2017.
After a great start, the French women crumbled in defense, their usual strong point.
The 4-0 inflicted from the start to the Hungarians was followed by a 4-0 suffered by the Blue, who were still tied (12-12) three minutes from the break and could thank Amandine Leynaud.
Well present after being preserved in the last preparation match against Montenegro - like the pivot Pauletta Foppa - the goalkeeper allowed the Blues not to pass behind Hungary, the least rated team in their group.
In addition to Leynaud's 7 saves in the first period (39%), it took two brilliant shots from Estelle Nze-Minko for them to stand out just before the break (15-12).
An advantage then managed somehow by this France team lessened by serial injuries: captain and left winger Siraba Dembélé, left back Orlane Kanor and right back Aïssatou Kouyaté.
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A gradual rise in difficulty awaits them with a next match on Tuesday against Spain, battered by Sweden on Sunday (31-24).
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