the Blues end their preparation with a victory over Portugal

The French handball team completed its preparation for the World Cup, which begins Tuesday, with a second victory in two matches on Friday against Portugal (44-38) in Strasbourg, a meeting which confirmed its swings in concentration and the return to his best level of Dika Mem. Easy winners over the Czech Republic on Wednesday (37-28) but after delivering a messy last 20 minutes, the Blues once again blew hot and cold against Portugal, a superior nation but which is not among the world leaders. After a thunderous start to the match (9-2 in the 7th minute, 14-7 in the 14th) where they took advantage of the apathy of the Portuguese to enjoy themselves on all pitches, they gave up, under the effect of the rotations and opposing awakening. Leading by four goals at the break (23-19), they gradually saw the Portuguese come back within eight minutes of the end (35-34, 52nd), before finishing better. Particularly thanks to a good Melvyn Richardson (5/6) and the saves of Samir Bellahcene (7/26), who saved an equalizing ball with a point-blank save. In the first period, Rémi Desbonnet (5/24) stood out in goal with his quick throws.

Dika mem progress

Returning to competition on Wednesday less than two months after his right shoulder operation, Dika Mem delivered a very convincing performance on Friday against the Portuguese: the left back, already in rhythm against the Czechs but with a little waste in the shot (3/7), builds up power (9/9). He notably took responsibility in the second half when the Portuguese came within two goals (28-26, 38th). The other convalescent from the rear base, Elohim Prandi, victim of a dislocation of his left shoulder in early November, remained in the stands on Wednesday. He returned to the field on Friday, coming into play for 11 minutes in the second half, during which he barely stood out (1/2 and a loss of ball). In his left-back position Thibaud Briet (6/8 Wednesday and 1/2 and 4 assists Friday) confirmed his good form and Romain Lagarde made good appearances (2/3 against the Czechs, 1/1 Friday).

Bos can play on the right wing

Hugo Descat, still struggling with his back, did not appear on either match sheet. On his left wing, Dylan Nahi (8/10) produced a festival during the first quarter of an hour, in defense and counter-attack, and Mathieu Grébille was also valuable. On the right wing, without Yannis Lenne (back) a priori for the whole of the World Cup, Julien Bos (3/3 Wednesday then 2/2 Friday), usual right back, confirmed that he held his own alongside by Benoît Kounkoud. The coach of the Blues, Guillaume Gille, who will have to reduce his group from 20 to 18 (including 16 on the match sheet) for the first match of the World Cup, Tuesday against Qatar in Porec (Croatia), must now mainly choose: to leave at the World Cup with or without Descat, the main penalty taker.