For its second and last preparation match for the World Cup, the French handball team delivered a very solid and better performance than the previous one, by disposing with the way of Egypt (33-32) on Saturday in Orleans.

A victory that allows him to win the first edition of the Tournoi de France.

Slow, especially in the first period, on Wednesday against the Netherlands (43-32), the Blues raised their level by two good notches to win the competition against an opponent much better equipped, especially physically, and candidate for a place in the last four at the World Cup.

“We have raised the cursor”

(Very) rough in defense, skilful on the back base and fighting until the end, like their return to a goal in the last minute, the Egyptians offered a very good opposition for the first confrontation of the World (January 11-29 in Poland and Sweden), Wednesday in Katowice, against Poland.

“I'm happy with the work provided, but everything is reset at the start of the competition.

The interesting thing was to progress, to refresh the France team's hard drive with everyone, to bring people together.

Now we are going to experience great moments in Sweden and Poland,” reacted coach Guillaume Gille.

“We took a big step I think, raised the bar compared to the match against the Netherlands.

It's good for confidence,” said pivot Ludovic Fabregas.

Gérard solid at the post

In Orleans, in an Arena (9,500 seats) inaugurated for the occasion, the atmosphere was there: it will be on Wednesday in the "Spodek" ("saucer" in Polish), but not in favor of the Blues.

“We are more ready than 10 days ago but nothing beats the salt of the competition.

And we will have to prepare for a whole other hostility in the stands, ”warned Gille.

A sign of the importance given to this second and last test before the start and of the caliber of the opponent, the coach rotated less than Wednesday at Le Mans, starting the second period with his standard team with the exception of the pivot Ludovic Fabregas.

And unlike the first preparation match, Vincent Gérard did not leave his goal at half-time, where he was replaced by Rémi Desbonnet.

The French goalkeeper had a great game, with 17 saves.


Vincent Gérard who wins the commitment trophy for this tournament, well deserved 👏🇫🇷#FRAEGY 🇫🇷 - 🇪🇬


33 - 32 (60') pic.twitter.com/L4ZyekdQRh

— Esprit Handball Caisse d'Epargne (@EspritHandball) January 7, 2023

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This is enough to leave for Poland confident on Monday.

After Benoît Kounkoud's package on Friday (foot), Guillaume Gille will not have to reduce his group to 18 players.

The reigning Olympic champions, fourth at the last World Cup in Egypt in 2021, are advancing with caution and ambition.

"Are we ready?

You never really are with so little preparation, but that's the lot of all teams, believes Nikola Karabatic.

As the competition progresses, we will play better and better and recover automatisms.

»

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  • Handball

  • French Handball team

  • World Championship

  • Nikola Karabatic

  • Sport