End of the series for the French women’s handball team. After 23 consecutive victories, and a world title won last December, the Blues lost this Thursday against Norway (22-34) in their first preparation match for the Olympic Games. A severe setback but not improbable since the Norwegians were finalists in the last World Championship. However, the preparation has started badly for the French, who will have to refine their automatisms before starting the defense of their Olympic title.
From the first minutes, the Pau crowd, where the match was played, understood that it would not be the Bleues’ evening. Having remained in the game until 3-3, the French women fell behind for the first time in the 8th minute, with Hatadou Sako failing to block the Norwegian attempts. The French women came up against the Norwegian defense on several occasions, only scoring during counterattacks. At half-time, Norway already had a 4-goal lead (11-15).
Krumbholz’s Rant
And the second half did not reassure Olivier Krumbholz, the coach of this team. Angry by the numerous handling errors and the lack of desire of these players, the latter even let out a rant during a timeout, comparing them to “juniors”. Despite some flashes of brilliance, the Blues took on water over the last thirty minutes. The score even became severe, with more than ten points ahead for Norway with a quarter of an hour to go (15-26).
Olivier Krumbholz’s outburst had the merit of waking up a few players. Méline Nocandy in particular delivered a great performance, while Hatadou Sako made a few saves. More determined, the French also received several two-minute penalties, proof that commitment was back. Norway, however, was in an armchair and calmly sealed their victory (22-34).
On Saturday, the two teams will meet again for a rematch that is already very important for the Blues, who must affirm their status as reigning Olympic and world champions. Olivier Krumbholz has had his work cut out for him.
