There wasn’t really any suspense at the Pick Arena in Szeged (Hungary) this Saturday. Large winners of Ukraine (36-23), the Blues were able to hold their rank to chain a second consecutive success in this Euro after the inaugural victory against Croatia (27-22). The difference was made from the first period in favor of the men of Guillaume Gille who very quickly took over the Ukrainians struggling against the very solid French central block.
Impeccable defensively, the reigning Olympic champions showed great efficiency through a quick but unhurried game. Few forced shots, fluid ball circulation, precision in front of goal and here are the Blues serenely in the lead at the break (17-11).
Nahi top scorer, good first for Briet
In the second half, the French took off to finally win by 13 goals, well helped by the very questionable expulsion of Dmytro Horiha (best Ukrainian player with seven goals) for a foul on Thibaud Briet. In numerical superiority, the meeting turned into a health walk for the Blues. Dylan Nahi finished top scorer with six goals. Romain Lagarde, Hugo Descat and Melvyn Richardson (four goals each) also took part in the celebration, in the absence of Nikola Karabatic, spared this Saturday. For his first steps in the blue jersey, Thibaud Briet responded perfectly with three achievements.
“It was a tricky game given Ukraine’s tough first game against Serbia. But we were serious from the start of the match and it paid off. This allowed guys who aren’t used to playing to play. You have to say thank you to the team, ”said goalkeeper Wesley Pardin at the microphone of BeIN Sports. Guillaume Gille’s men now have their eyes fixed on Serbia, which they will face on Monday January 17 (8:30 p.m.).
