After two consecutive defeats (Denmark and Norway) at the 2024 Olympics, the French handball players have no choice tonight: the Blues must win against Egypt to hope to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Tonight, the French men’s handball team must win to stay alive in the JO 2024The Blues face Egypt at 7 p.m., and are doomed to victory.
A first in history
The French team has never started an Olympic tournament with two defeats. Against Denmark and Norway, Les Bleus lost the first two games of the preliminary round of the 2024 Olympics, putting them in an unprecedented situation. Against Egypt, victory is mandatory to hope for qualification for the quarter-finals, now an obsession. Against the Egyptians, Guillaume Gille’s players will have to eliminate and correct all the technical imprecisions costing them goals conceded easily. It is a different challenge that awaits Les Bleus against a nation that had successfully entered the Olympics against Hungary (35-32) before losing to Denmark (27-30). “This team is climbing the world hierarchy, like what Tunisia achieved a few years ago, notably thanks to a phenomenal rear base”noted deputy Erick Mathé.
The pressure of the Olympics at home
For the first time in their career, the Blues are playing in the Olympic Games at home. This is additional pressure for the handball players who have not yet managed to free themselves completely and take advantage of the omnipresent support of the public. “I feel like we’re playing to play. I don’t feel like we’re playing the Games at home, in front of our fans.”reported Elohim Prandi. If the Blues have the obligation to react, the executives are highly anticipated: “Experienced players have an important role. I am vice-captain, it is also my responsibility to move forward with the guys, to talk more, give my opinion and have this more leadership side”replied Ludovic Fabregas. During the Olympic preparation matches, the three starting backs (Karabatic, Remili, Mem) could not be lined up together, a problem according to coach Guillaume Gille: “I think we’re paying a little for this end of preparation with the left-handers (Remili and Mem, Editor’s note) on the sidelines in a period where the emphasis was very much on handball. We were not able to play with those most regularly put on the field. We feel that in our interlocking, our game options, we lack reference points”.
What time does France – Egypt start?
The kick-off of France – Egypt, the preliminary round match of the 2024 Olympic Games, is scheduled Wednesday July 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the Arena Paris Sud. The Swedish duo Mirza Kurtagic – Mattias Wetterwik will referee the poster.
On which channel can I watch France – Egypt?
The TV rights holders for the 2024 Olympic Games, the channels of the groups France Televisions And Eurosport will broadcast the match between the Blues and the Egyptians.
How to follow France – Egypt in streaming?
If you want to watch the third match of the French men’s handball team at the 2024 Olympics, you will need to create an account on France.tv or subscribe to a subscription on MyCanal.
What are the France – Egypt squads?
France : Vincent Gérard and Rémi Desbonnet (Goalkeepers), Yanis Lenne and Valentin Porte (Right Wingers), Melvyn Richardson and Dika Mem (Right Backs), Nedim Remili (Center Half), Elohim Prandi and Nikola Karabatic (Left Backs), Dylan Nahi and Hugo Descat (Left Wingers), Karl Konan, Luka Karabatic and Ludovic Fabregas (Pivots).
Egypt : Karim Hendawy and Mohamed Aly (Goalkeepers), Mohammad Sanad (Right Winger), Yahia Omar and Mohab Abdelhak (Right Backs), Yehia Elderaa and Seif Elderaa (Centre Halves), Ali Zein, Ahmed Esham and Abdelrahman Abdou (Left Backs), Omar Elwakil (Left Winger), Mohamed Tarek, Ibrahim Elmasry and Ahmed Abel (Pivots).
What are the predictions for France – Egypt?
- Betclic: France: 1.27 / Draw: 11.00 / Egypt: 4.05
- Bwin: France: 1.25 / Draw: 9.50 / Egypt: 3.70
- NetBet: France: 1.28 / Draw: 11.50 / Egypt: 4.50
- Unibet: France: 1.28 / Draw: 11.50 / Egypt: 4.70