Les Bleues, who started their campaign in October with successes against the Czech Republic (38-22) and Ukraine (28-25), are top of their group and can ensure their qualification in the event of a double success against the medalists bronze at Euro-2020.

"We were all very happy to meet again. We have a good week of work together, with the possibility of qualifying for the Euros," half-center Estelle Nze Minko, 30, one of the players told AFP. the most experienced of a workforce very similar to that which won silver at the World Cup-2021 in Granollers, seventh podium in the last eight international tournaments.

French Estelle Nze Minko, during the main round match against Poland at the World Handball Championship, December 9, 2021 in Granollers (Spain) Josep LAGO AFP / Archives

Certainly, coach Olivier Krumbholz wants to test new things: "It's always the time to try out, to call on young players".

But "we will always take the best, no matter what."

Sixteen of the twenty finalists from Granollers (Spain) have been recalled.

Allison Pineau, Catherine Gabriel and Laura Flippes and Paulette Foppa (injured) are missing.

While they were to return, Orlane Ahanda and Kalidiatou Niakaté were injured and were replaced by pivots Sarah Bouktit and Oriane Ondono.

- "Fierce competition" -

These changes are part of a "new cycle" with, in sight, the Olympic Games at home in 2024. the world is motivated for the 2024 Games. It will be a little fierce competition that we will arbitrate with joy and pleasure”, rejoiced Krumbholz.

The coach of the French women's handball team, Olivier Krumbholz, during the semi-final against Denmark at the World Championship, December 17, 2021 in Granollers (Spain) Josep LAGO AFP / Archives

Goalkeeper Cléopâtre Darleux also projects herself and believes that the "preparation is global".

“We are thinking long term with the Games, having specific lines of work and points for improvement,” she continued.

French goalkeeper Cléopâtre Darleux facing Swedish left-back Johanna Westberg, during their semi-final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, August 6, 2021 Fabrice COFFRINI AFP / Archives

The objective of the gathering nevertheless remains the success of this double confrontation against Croatia, as noted by center half Grace Zaadi: "We know that big deadlines are coming and we have a lot of ambition. But we don't think about it. not morning, noon and night."

"We first want to win these two matches with style, ensure qualification and help these young players to integrate in the best possible way, relying on their qualities", continues Zaadi.

French center half Grace Zaadi tries a shot against Croatia in their Euro 2020 semi-final on December 18, 2020 in Herning (Denmark) Jonathan NACKSTRAND AFP / Archives

Olivier Krumbholz, assures him, these two meetings should not be taken lightly.

"These are two important matches for us. We would like to stand out definitively in this pool in order to approach April (the last qualifying period, editor's note) calmly."

"We know it won't be easy. The Croats are playing well and will surely be a little revengeful for the semi-final of the 2020 European Championship, where they were mistreated (30-19 victory, editor's note)", he concludes. .

© 2022 AFP