The French handball players were the first team at the World Cup to reach the semi-finals – and may be waiting for the German team there. The vice world champion won the start of the quarter-finals in Trondheim with 33:22 (18:16) against outsiders the Czech Republic and continues to dream of his third title after 2003 and 2017.
The French were later followed by the defending champions from Norway in the round of the last four. The co-hosts also beat the Netherlands in Trondheim in a longer open but ultimately clear game with 30:23 (12:11). The four-time world champions, where Stine Ruscetta Skogrand excelled with nine goals in nine attempts and goalkeeper Katrine Lunde, are in the World Cup semi-finals for the fifth time in a row.
After a tight first half, the favorites from France pulled ahead with five goals against the Czech Republic early in the second half (38th). France repeatedly switched gears quickly, overwhelmed their opponents with counter-attacks and also defended hard. Estelle Nze Minko shone as the top scorer with five goals, the player of the game was goalkeeper Laura Glauser, who only conceded three goals in the final quarter of an hour.
In the semi-finals, France could now meet the DHB team of national coach Markus Gaugisch. Before that, Germany has to defeat Sweden in the quarter-finals on Wednesday (5:30 p.m.) to make the duel perfect. Denmark and Montenegro will then contest the last quarter-finals (8.30 p.m./both Sportdeutschland.tv).