The first week of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been rich in medals for France, notably in swimming, judo or even fencing, canoeing and BMX. And this new week could in turn be marked by a shower of medals. After surfing and 3x3 basketball, French fans are hoping for more victories in team sports. While the French men's volleyball and basketball teams have qualified for the finals, another discipline will also be putting on a show this week. It's handball with the French women's team. Les Bleues must face Norway this Thursday if they are to snatch the gold medal.
On Thursday, August 8, the French women's handball team pulled off a coup by beating Sweden in the semi-finals (26-23). In a breathless duel, the French handball team secured their place in the final by overcoming Sweden after intense extra time. The match had begun in a state of uncertainty, with the first thirty minutes marked by exceptional performances from both goalkeepers. At the break, Sweden led 12-10, benefiting from solid defense and effective attack.
The second half saw the Scandinavians maintain their lead, but gradually the dynamic changed. The French, buoyed by an imperious Sako in goal, began to chip away at their deficit. Sako, with an impressive save percentage (53% for the match as a whole), literally put the Swedish forwards to shame, stopping 8 out of 15 shots and making 3 crucial saves from the penalty spot, including one in the dying seconds.
The tension was at its height when Horacek scored the equaliser that sent both teams into extra time. Far from relenting, France kept up their momentum, and thanks to their airtight defense and the tenacity of their players, eventually came out on top. Horacek, who was one of the heroines of the match, finished top scorer with 8 goals from 12 attempts.
At the end of this heroic encounter, Les Bleues proved they were ready for anything to win gold. They now face the final, where they will attempt to crown their exceptional career with an Olympic title. Norway, for their part, reached the final following their victory over Denmark (25-21).
The match will be broadcast on France Télévisions and Eurosport channels, and more specifically on France 3.
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