2024-01-28 18:37:27
At the end of a thrilling final, the French men’s handball team won its fourth European title (33-31) this Sunday, January 28, after overtime with unbearable suspense.
France once again on the roof of Europe, ten years later. Guillaume Gille’s men won (33-31) this Sunday, January 28 against the Danish world champions in the final of the Euro handball, in Cologne (Germany), almost a year to the day after their defeat against the same team, in the final of the Worlds. After 2006, 2010 and 2014, the Blues won their fourth continental title in as many finals played.
Often led, sometimes manhandled by the Danes of Mikkel Hansen – imperial in the 7-meter throw – the French found the physical and mental resources not to crack and always come back into the game, equalizing in the last minute of the second half. time (27-27). During extra time, they managed to take a two-goal lead in the middle of the second period, thanks to Dika Mem – clumsy until then – and never let go of their advantage.
To add this new line to its impressive record, the French team demonstrated great mental strength throughout the tournament. Trailing by a goal less than a second from the end of their semi-final against Sweden, the Blues snatched extra time from the gong thanks to a free kick as sublime as it was miraculous from Elohim Prandi. A firecracker from 12 meters off balance unanimously described as an “anthology goal”. Guillaume Gille’s men then won during extra time. Final score 34-30.
Disgusted, the Swedes lodged a complaint with the European Handball Federation (EHF) after the match about Prandi’s free kick. Because the PSG left-back scored with an incredible off-balance shot. However, in the event of a free kick or a penalty, the shooter “must have part of the foot in permanent contact with the ground until the ball is thrown”, according to the rules of the International Handball Federation (IHF). Sweden criticized the non-use of video (VR) to check whether the free kick was legal. “VR is only used when referees have serious doubts about the correctness of their decision or when they are not able to see the situation correctly. The decision whether or not to use VR belongs solely to the referees or their delegates,” responded the EHF in a press release, deeming the Swedish request “inadmissible”.
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