The French Olympic champions, however already qualified for the European Championship in November, have destroyed almost all the Ukrainian chances of obtaining the second ticket of the group.

Admittedly, the approximately 2,000 spectators reserved a "standing ovation" at the arrival and the final lap of honor of the Ukrainian women as well as loud applause when the message "Peace for all" (peace for all) appeared on the screens giants.

They also listened in silent silence to the Ukrainian anthem, during which the meager staff of the team waved a yellow and blue flag and the players sang, tight against each other, one hand on their heart.

But during the match, there was no feeling in the stands, the public loudly pushed the Blues while French coach Olivier Krumbholz had warned: "We will not give them any gifts".

Bleues coach Olivier Krumbholz during the match against Denmark at the World Cup in Granollers, December 17, 2021 Josep LAGO AFP / Archives

There was perhaps a little feeling left on the pitch, where the France team, victim of a certain feverishness and the parades of Ukrainian goalkeeper Mariia Gladun, was behind for more than a quarter of an hour. hour.

But the Blues took advantage of a big slump from the Ukrainian attack, unable to score for 17 minutes at the end of the first period, to take the lead (9-6 at halftime).

Although captain Iryna Glibko and her teammates found their way back to the nets in the second half, the French played to keep them at bay, under the olés and la ola of the room.

For Ukraine, already beaten 26-19 Wednesday in Croatia, this defeat is almost a setback.

With only 2 points, she must now hope for a victory for the Czech Republic (2 pts) on Sunday in Croatia (4 pts), then win in her two late matches with the Czechs to qualify.

But these two matches, scheduled for early March, were postponed due to the Russian invasion and if the Ukrainians were able to play this week thanks to the support of the French and Austrian federations, the future remains uncertain.

Ukrainian handball players train on April 22, 2022 in Le Havre, on the eve of their Euro-2022 qualifying match against France Sameer Al-DOUMY AFP

The military authorities are awaiting the return to the country of coach Vitaly Andronov, as well as the team doctor, Rostylsav Kozakevych.

The players who play in European clubs will return there, while the large contingent of the club from Lviv, in western Ukraine, has found refuge in the Czech Republic.

"It was a bit difficult for us to play," admitted Iryna Glibko, who plays in Romania.

"It's our job but psychologically, it's complicated. I'm happy that we fought until the end".

© 2022 AFP