That's also the joy of a 32-team World Cup. Much weaker opponents who serve as sparring partners. Note, this allows the French handball team to start these world championships quietly. And after beating Qatar (37-19), this Tuesday in Porec (Croatia), for its debut in the competition, the Blues will have another easy match Thursday against Kuwait, which will be used to validate the ticket for the main round. .
Ten years after standing up to them in the World Cup final at home, the Qataris were no match, despite the still presence in their ranks of Zarko Markovic and Rafael Capote, who then made the French suffer. Guillaume Gille's players were diligent, especially in defense, where they left crumbs for the Qataris, often forced to take forced or blocked shots, and well protected Rémi Desbonnet, author of a solid performance.
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Their good defense and the quick restarts of the Montpellier goalkeeper, who played more than 45 minutes before being replaced by Samir Bellahcene, allowed them to break through on a counter-attack from the start of a match controlled from start to finish. end (6-2, 11th then 13-6, 21st and 22-12, 38th). On alternating current during their two victories in preparation (38-27 against the Czech Republic then 44-38 against Portugal), this time they did not experience any slump.
On the other hand, they experienced a bit of waste in attack, especially on the wings, where they made goalkeeper Anadin Suljakovic shine. Thibaud Briet (7 goals from 9 shots) confirmed his good form in a left-back position where Gille had chosen to leave Elohim Prandi in the stands, who has only one match in his legs since his dislocation of the left shoulder, early November. The Parisian could take advantage of the meeting against Kuwait to find some rhythm.
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