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Brilliant comeback brings France closer to Tokyo 2020

12 Mar. 2021

Brilliant comeback brings France closer to Tokyo 2020

Down by five goals in the 32nd minute, France seemed to be in deep trouble against Croatia in their opener of the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020. 

But ‘Les Experts’ never backed down and completed a masterful comeback to start the tournament they host in Montpellier with a brilliant 30:26 win.

TOURNAMENT 2
France vs Croatia 30:26 (12:15)

The handball purists were fretting after the first few minutes of the game, with France and Croatia scoring one goal each in just over six minutes and the first goal being scored by Domagoj Duvnjak after four minutes and 14 seconds, as he beat Vincent Gerard with a clever effort.

It was all about defence, as France’s classic 6-0 was met by a constantly shifting Croatian block, with Duvnjak applying the pressure for an aggressive 5-1.

However, as the minutes passed, France found themselves in real trouble. With no clear solutions in attack and despite Croatia’s goalkeepers, Marin Sego and Ivan Pesic, having made only two saves throughout the first half, the hosts paid the costly price for turning the ball over six times. And with their defence failing, it all went downhill quickly.

In the first official game for new coach, Hrvoje Horvat, Croatia looked unshackled after a disappointing performance at the IHF Men’s World Championship in January and delivered a first-half masterpiece.

It was neither Duvnjak nor Luka Cindric who led the charge, rather the other creative centre back, Igor Karacic. Back after a niggling injury that hampered his performance at Egypt 2021, Karacic scored twice and dished another two assists, as France’s coach Guillaume Gille was left scratching his head.

The gap was increased to four goals with three minutes to go in the first half (14:10), but the ever-reliable Dika Mem scored France’s two last goals to cut the gap to 15:12 at the break.

Croatia looked in control, especially after starting the second half with a 2:0 run, courtesy of Luka Cindric and right wing Ivan Cupic.

Yet, something was amiss for the newly minted Croatian side. They had the experience and the numbers to keep France at bay, a side that looked convoluted in attack and on disarray in defence.

However, playing at home can give you new-found energy – especially if you are Hugo Descat, the top scorer of last season’s EHF Champions League Men, who plies his trade at club level for Montpellier.

The flawless left wing had an off night, missing three one-on-one shots and a penalty against Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Pesic. 

France was still in the game, though, as the Croatian attack failed to get going. Even though Cupic was in superb shape, finishing the game with 10 goals from 11 shots, Croatia started to struggle, eventually failing to score for seven minutes and 25 seconds, between the 44th and 52nd minute.

It was the moment when France won the game. Efficient in attack and with goalkeeper Yann Genty starting to rake up saves, including a crucial one-on-one against left wing Manuel Strlek, the hosts went on a 4:0 run that turned the tables – suddenly it was France who were in the lead (24:23).

As Croatia scored only two goals in the last nine minutes of the game, Descat, Mem and centre back Kentin Mahe took advantage and sealed a crucial 30:26 win that brings France closer to a Tokyo 2020 berth.

France are tied with Portugal on the top of the table with two points, with a win against Tunisia on Saturday potentially sealing them a berth for the Olympic Games., Croatia’s dreams of the Olympic Games, on the other hand, could vanish on Saturday, as they face a must-win clash against Portugal.

Photo credit: FFHandball / Icon Sport