The second day of the eight-finals started with two all-European thrillers: And in the end France (against Sweden) and Croatia (against Romania) were the lucky winners and qualified for the quarter-finals. France will face Russia, as Croatia competes with Norway.

 

Sweden – France 23:26 (15:12)

For nearly 50 minutes Sweden was in the lead, but then France decided the game thanks to their improved defence and the fact that the Northern Europeans lost their pace completely in the final stage of the game. Now France will face World Champion Russia in the quarter-final after this lucky victory. Despite the defeat Sweden is qualified for the Olympic Qualification Tournament.

France had to replace their tall shooter Mariama Signate after an eye injury in the last training session. Maybe this was the reason for the unexpected hecticness and nervousness of the runners-up of the last World Championship. The defence was not settled as usual, and in attack they caused many mistakes or lost the balls. Sweden on the other hand showed their usual strengths – scoring from wing positions and by counterattacks. But the runners-up of the European Championship 2010 was strong from the back-court line, too. Thanks to those advantages and strong Isabelle Gullden (four goals in 30 minutes) the Swedes were in the lead all the first half and even extended the gap to three goals at 10:7 for the first time. Even the gap could have even been clearer, if the Swedes had been more concentrated in attack. And France did not only have to cope with the result, but also with the ankle injury of their most experienced player Raphaelle Tervel in minute 29. At the break Sweden was still ahead by three goals.

The second half started with several missed chances of both sides. Even as they extended the lead to 17:13 it became harder for Sweden to march through the strengthened French defence. But the team of coach Olivier Krumbholz was too weak in attack to take a quick profit.

But as of the 43rd minute the match became a real battle. France reduced from four to one goal at 20:21 in minute 47 and even equalized at 21:21 thanks to a goal of Alison Pineau, as they forced Sweden to make mistakes by putting the pressure on their attackers. And suddenly also the French spectators woke up, singing “Allez les bleus”. And when Kamto and Baudoin scored for the 23:21, Swedish coach Per Johansson had to take his second time-out within ten minutes, as his team lost their pace and rhythm completely. As French goalkeeper Cleopatre Darleux improved, too, French seemed to be on the winner’s way at the 24:21. But Sweden fought back, scored twice – and the chance to equalize exactly two minutes before the end. But Johanna Ahlm failed with her penalty shot against Amandine Leynaud. The crunch time had begun. Kamto hit the net – 25:23 for France, Darleux saved a Torstensson shot, Camille Ayglon scored for 26:23 – the decision 25 seconds before the end. Whilst the Swedish team was down to the ground, France was dancing on the field.

 

Statements after the match:

Per Johansson, coach Sweden: I am proud of my team, as we played a strong match until minute 45, when we were in pole position. But then the French defence became more solid. In the end a few details decided in favour of one of the best teams of the world.

Olivier Krumbholz, coach France: We are absolutely happy after this highly difficult game and after the severe injury of Mariama Signate the day before. It was very hard for us to keep up with Sweden in the first 40 minutes. But then the better physical fitness decided the match, and our players have a high level physical fitness. Aside Alison Pineau played an extra-ordinary game.

Johanna Wiberg, player Sweden: I am sad and I am disappointed. Today we will not analyze the faults we made, but tomorrow this analysis will start. I wish all the best to France for the rest of the tournament.

Nina Kamto, player France: We played with our hearts until the end. Sweden caused a lot of difficulties to our defence, but in the decisive final stage we had enough energy. I am so proud of my team.

Romania – Croatia 27:28 (18:15)

A brilliant final catch-up chase with three straight goals made Croatia jump for joy. Kristina Franic decided the game with 28:27 in the last minute – now the Croats are going for their best World Championship result since 1997, when they finished sixth.

Romanian coach Radu Voina seemed to have found the right measures and motivation after his team was defeated by France with 19 goals in their last Preliminary Round match – but it took some time, until the Romanians had taken the lead. In the beginning the very confident Croatian team took the lead and was ahead 5:2, before Romania found their rhythm. By improving in defence, Romania first equalized at 8:8 and then took control of the game completely. Croatia was blocked in attack and did not have the right ideas to go through to the goal. In the final stage of the first half, the Bronze medallist of the last European Championship went away to three goals – a margin, which was still at the break.

But with the start of the second half of this defence battle everything changed: After the 19:15, Romania stopped scoring, Croatia started a catch-up race with five straight goals and took back the lead at 20:19, causing a Romanian time-out. And like in Sao Paulo, the final stage in Sao Bernardo was a real thriller with changing leads until the end. First Romania was ahead, then Croatia struck back. Five minutes before the end, the Romanians were in the better position after three straight goals and the 27:25 lead. But then they suddenly stopped and Kristina Franic made the Croats jump for joy with the two decisive goals for the 28:27 victory. Chirila (Romania) and Penezic (Croatia) were the top scorers with six goals each.

Statements after the match:

Vladimir Canjuga, coach Croatia:  In the half-time I said: 'It's now or never'. And we got the result. We deserved to win and to go to the quarter-finals. Against Norway we have to be very strong. Now, we're going to rest. We are happy to be among the eight best teams of the competition. And we will take part in the Qualification for Olympic Games.

 

Miranda Tatari, player Croatia: We were perfect today, played like a team. It was the first ever and the most important victory against Romania. Against Norway maybe we need a miracle. We would like so much to be in London at the Olympic Games. It's our dream.