Adversity mounts. After two demonstrations against Qatar (37-19) and Kuwait (43-19), the French handball team really returned to its World Cup this Saturday against Austria. Despite an excellent start to the match, the Blues remained under pressure for a long time from the catchy Austrians. Guillaume Gille's men nevertheless won without trembling, thanks to a very serious performance and a good end to the match, and will begin the main round in a good position to aim for the quarter-finals.
After a quarter of play, the difference seemed to be made. At the conclusion in the 17th minute, winger Benoît Kounkoud gave his team a six-goal lead (13-7), and already plunged the Austrians into doubt. However, they gradually returned, often taking big risks by playing without a goalkeeper, but taking advantage of a few French approximations. At the break, after a slight wavering at the end of half-time, the lead had already shrunk to four goals (19-15).
But the Austrian risks ended up costing them dearly. While the start of the second half was particularly tight, the Blues stole the ball twice before finishing in the empty goal, regaining their six goal lead (25-19). They never let go of this advance again, despite the courage of the Austrians. With six goals, Thibaud Briet and Dika Mem finished top scorers for the Blues.
First in the group thanks to this flawless performance, Guillaume Gille's men will begin the main round of this 2025 World Cup on Tuesday, with two victories already on the clock. Their opponents today have one, while Qatar and Kuwait still have to decide for third qualifying place this Saturday evening. Group D, the first three of which will join the Blues in the main round, will deliver its verdict on Sunday. The Netherlands are already qualified.
