Flawless France force their way into final at North Macedonia 2024

28 Jun. 2024

Flawless France force their way into final at North Macedonia 2024

France have made it to the final of the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship for the second time in history, as they secured their seventh win in a row at North Macedonia, 32:26, against Denmark.

France will now play against Hungary on Sunday for the title, while Denmark are heading for the bronze medal match against the Netherlands.

SEMI-FINAL
France vs Denmark 32:26 (16:14)

It was a question or whether France can secure their second-ever berth for the final of the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, 12 years removed after the first one, or if this generation of Denmark can seal its third consecutive berth for the gold medal match in a major international competition.

After Hungary progressed to the final riding their excellent depth and good-to-go system, France looked favoured, having the same qualities, in an action-packed competition, where gaps between sides have been made exactly through this depth and how good the time management for the players was.

France delivered a better start to the match, but Denmark were soon back in it, with a 4:1 run, powered by left wing Matilde Vestergaard, their top scorer at North Macedonia 2024, and left back Laura Thestrup. Yet France wrestled back the lead, through sheer numbers, as they had 10 players score at least one goal and never looked back.

Denmark coach Flemming Larsen tweaked his team, introducing right back Clara Bang into the line-up and that proved to be the boost the Scandinavian team needed, as Bang provided five goals – Denmark’s last five – in the first half, to cut the gap from five goals, 13:8, to only two at half-time, 16:14.

Both teams anihillated each other’s fast break opportunities, running and gunning on the court, but once again, France were on top, due to their fantastic depth. What finally made the difference and tilted the balance for France was their efficiency, 66%, with a 4:1 run between the 49th and the 54th minutes finally creating a six-goal lead, 28:22, which proved to be unassailable.

It was France's seventh consecutive win at North Macedonia 2024, as Eric Baradat's side registered their best-ever start in history in an edition of the IHF Women's Junior World Championship. France and Hungary are also the only unbeaten teams in the competition and proved to be the deserved finalists. 

With their 32:26 win, France have now secured their second berth for the last act of the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, 12 years after they played the final at Czechia 2012 and lost against Sweden. The European powerhouse has also clinched its second medal in history, after the silver in that competition.

On the other hand, Denmark will still live to fight for a medal on Sunday, when they feature in the bronze medal match against the Netherlands. The Scandinavian side also has eight medals so far, and would tie the Republic of Korea as the most decorated team in history, with nine medals.

Alkaloid Player of the Match: Lilou Borg (France)