France already qualifies for the main round after a demonstration against Kuwait. This Thursday, Guillaume Gille's players did not let the Middle Eastern team exist in the meeting to seek a second consecutive success (19-43). Even before facing Austria in two days, the Blues are assured of competing in the main round by finishing among the top three in Group C. In addition, the six-time world champions have been able to build up the necessary confidence for the rest of the competition, a few months after the cataclysm of the Games. Aymeric Minne and Thibaut Briet particularly stood out in attack, with 4 and 5 goals respectively.
The first period started with a rather balanced period, the Kuwaitis surprising the Blues in the middle. Thus, after ten minutes of play, the score was tied (5-5) with good percussion from the talented Saif Aldawani. But once the Blues' defensive formation was adjusted, the Middle Eastern team no longer saw the light of day in attack, failing to break through in the center or shift to the wings. In addition, Rémi Desbonnet began to gradually heat up during the first act until he became impassable. Thus, the Kuwaitis were unable to score for thirteen consecutive minutes during the first half, allowing the French to take a ten-goal lead.
A fatal 13-minute air gap
The Blues were able to perform their handball offensively, without however taking the risk of injury for the rest of the competition. Dika Mem and Elohim Prandi, both uncertain for the competition, were able to regain confidence, even if the Parisian's first minutes in the competition were marked by a few errors. The fast play desired by Guillaume Gille, who was so missed during the Olympics, was therefore able to be applied throughout the match thanks to Kuwait's numerous losses of balls but also to the projection capacity of the Blues. The only offensive black spot: the ineffectiveness of Melvyn Richardson on 7-meter throws.
Briet in the spotlight
Returning from the locker room, the Kuwaitis put on a rather interesting game, matching France for a few minutes. But the Blues quickly found their rhythm and increased their gap even further beyond 20 goals. Guillaume Gille's players could not have hoped for a better start to the competition, even if they will have to continue to gain strength. Following the only other confrontation between the two countries, during the 2001 World Cup in France, the Tricolores then won the competition. A sign that could give hope to this new generation.
