Reigning world champions and Olympic handball vice-champions, the French women approach this Euro with the label of favorites. And against Poland, they were clearly keen to show that the label was deserved.
The summary of France – Poland at the Euro handball
The last preparation match for Les Bleues left us with a bitter taste in our mouths. Well the first Euro meeting continues on this path. Even worse. For their entry into these European Championships, Sébastien Gardillou's players disgusted their Polish opponents. Whether from afar by sending overpowering pralines worthy of Elohim Prandi, or with a slick game by sneaking into Poland's gruyere defense. 11-4 after ten minutes of play, 18-10 at half-time, we quickly understand that the evening is going to be very, very long.
Returning from the locker room, after Laura Glauser ruined the Polish hopes (8/18 on saves), Sébastien Gardillou brings in goalkeeper Hatadou Sako. For the same torture. Indeed, the Frenchwoman decides in turn to put on a show by stopping the first four shots. She forbids the Polish women, nothing more, nothing less, to shake her nets. As proof, she finished the match with an insolent 43% saves on shots (9/21). An Omyeresque ratio. The only way to deceive one's vigilance is with success.
With these two goalkeepers, the Poles experience an interminable drought of 8 minutes (EIGHT minutes) without scoring a single goal. An iron defense which allows the French to lead up to thirteen goals (30-17). Yes, you read that right. An offensive festival in which no less than twelve players will take part, having scored one goal or more. The final score is 35-22, a slaughter which allows the French team to take first place in the group. It's only the first game, and we're already exhausted.
France
