The French women’s handball team qualified for the main round of the World Cup thanks to its overwhelming victory against China (47-21) this Sunday in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands).
Heading towards the rest of the competition. The French women’s handball team easily validated its ticket for the main round of the World Cup by crushing China (47-21), a weak opponent ideal for training and enjoying themselves, with the wingers in the lead, this Sunday in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands).
If the title holders had waited around ten minutes to let loose in the opening against Tunisia (43-18), they were two days later on time against the Chinese coached by another Frenchman, Yérime Sylla (after Pablo Morel at the helm of the Tunisians, editor’s note). A way to punch their ticket to Rotterdam, where the adventure will continue after a final match against Poland on Tuesday (also 4 pts) for first place in Group F and enter the main round with plenty of points.
The Blues went it alone from the first minutes against China and, a sign of the non-existent suspense and their overwhelming superiority, Sébastien Gardillou changed five of his six field players at the same time a quarter of an hour into the game (13-4). However, he had to deplore that of Fatou Karamoko, injured in an ankle, like Clarisse Mairot on Friday.
In the role of chief pyrotechnicians were the wingwomen, who eagerly dove into the gaping spaces and greedily grabbed the offerings of their teammates. In particular goalkeepers Camille Sinceet (in the first period) and Floriane André (second), Gardillou having decided to leave the holder Hatadou Sako in the stands, given the adversity proposed.
Wajoka still there
“We were keen to reproduce the same thing as against Tunisia and to do even better, we succeeded. We remain on a good dynamic”, rejoiced André. “We rely on a strong defense and fast play, the identity of the France team. So we save ourselves, and it’s also pleasant to make long throws towards the wingers, who project themselves quickly.”
The four wingers scored 21 goals, including 15 of the 26 French goals at half-time, where they achieved 100% shooting (including 1/1 on penalties). It was not until the 39th minute that they missed their first (and only) attempt (Alicia Toublanc). During this match, they deployed the entire technical range of shooting, between “chabalas”, lobs, feints and suspensions.
After her 10/10 against Tunisia, Suzanne Wajoka once again finished top scorer (7/7) on a left wing deprived of its holder, Chloé Valentini, on maternity leave. Also with Nina Dury (5/5), who is also competing in her first competition, the blue house seems well guarded.