2024-01-19 02:12:39
“This evening, we were able to respond because we were hit a bit. The supporters said some not very cool things but we had a great spirit. There were racist remarks. So, it pissed us off. They insulted us but that’s it. That’s how it is, there are some in all the rooms unfortunately. » After the victory of the French team against Croatia (34-22) which launched the main round perfectly, Nicolas Tournat was clear in his remarks at the BeIN Sport microphone, deploring the racist insults from Croatian supporters.
Words that Guillaume Gille, the coach at the microphone of BeIN Sport, does not confirm: “I cannot confirm them to you, I do not understand their language,” he said. But there was a throwing of a cup, vehement people in the stands. This type of behavior has no place in our sport. In general, handball fans are more of an example. There, this kind of gesture goes beyond the limits. »
To return to the field, France, in a strong position before the start of the main round, did not fail against Croatia. In a tight match like never before, Guillaume Gille’s players won at the end of the suspense (34-32).
A success which allows, with the victory against Germany (33-30) acquired during the first round, but which counts for this final round, to continue to see the rest with confidence. Especially since the Hungarians, who attacked this second round with two points like the French, fell against Austria (29-30).
“We didn’t panic,” says Nikola Karabatic
“It’s a match that resembled that of Germany,” declared Nikola Karabatic at the microphone of BeIN Sport. We didn’t panic, the goalkeeper opposite made saves all over the place but we are sure of our strength. It’s great because we had a great state of mind, we fought. This might be my last competition, you never know. »
By winning against Croatia with authority, Nikola Karabatic’s teammates managed to thwart the Croatian trap into which the Spaniards had fallen in the first round (39-29).
As against Germany, the French delivered a big match with great intensity. In this tight encounter, they managed to widen a few gaps (15-12, 22nd) before being caught at the break (18-18).
In search of a European coronation which has eluded them since 2014, the Blues did it again in the second period with a certain panache (24-21, 41st) despite the expulsion of Fabregas (42nd). Thanks to his 289th goal in all Euros (absolute record), Nikola Karabatic even offers a comfortable lead (26-22).
VICTOIRE ! ????????34-32????????
It’s finish ! The BLEUS win and take the lead of the group ????????
Congratulations also to Nikola Karabatic who tonight becomes the top scorer in the history of the EHF EURO!
Bravo, BLUE! ????#BlueberryProud pic.twitter.com/tbziOSp7gT— French Handball Teams (@FRAHandball) January 18, 2024
But the Croats didn’t give up and came back to 27-26 thanks to a huge Kuzmanovic in his cage. The last minutes are breathtaking but the Blues do not crack. And thanks to Nahi and Remili, the Blues are back on track (30-27, 52nd).
Which has the gift of provoking the anger of Croatian supporters who throw objects at the French bench. This is when the racist incidents are mentioned by the Blues. The match is interrupted for a few moments and resumes with a tricolor mastery.
Coming back to one length (30-29) thanks to their goalkeeper, the Croats see red and find themselves in numerical inferiority with the exclusion for two minutes of Glavas. Mahé takes the opportunity to convert a 7 m throw (32-30, 58th). It’s almost won. As a pivot, Nicolas Tournat scores the two relief goals (34-32).
With four points, the Blues take the lead in Group I and can look forward to the next three games with confidence.
The next meeting is against Iceland (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.) then it will be the turn of Austria (January 22, 6 p.m.) and Hungary (January 24, 6 p.m.) to face France.
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