What a finish: Africa champion Egypt has gone the sensation against European champion France France and lost the quarter-finals of the handball World Cup with 33:34 (14:18). 0.3 seconds before the end Luka Karabatic threw the French into the semi -finals – only the video evidence brought certainty.
Three seconds before the end of the game, Yahia Omar scored the equalizer for Egypt in 7: 6 surcharge, but France’s goalkeeper Rémi Desbonnet switched quickly. A pass to the middle circle, from where Karabatic threw on the empty goal – keeper Karim Hendaway was not back in time between the posts. The referees check the hit on the screen – 0.3 seconds before the siren, Karabatic ‘litter actually exceeded the line.
“It was a breathtaking match,” said France coach Guillaume Gille. “This is pure handball. With strong opponents you sometimes need other solutions and goals that come out of nowhere. Today was such a day.” In the World Cup semi-final, France now meets hosts Croatia, who was able to prevail against Hungary in the first quarter-finals.
The “Tollhaus” Zagreb, the Croats won in front of 15,600 spectators, turned into a only half -filled arena for the late game – 5850 fans saw the second quarter -finals. The French fans were visible outnumbered, but were still loud to see captain Ludovic Fabregas on the plate, his use was on the brink because of a gastrointestinal disease. Coach Guillaume Gille started with Karabatic/Konan in the inner block for safety, Fabregas initially stayed on the bench.
The European champion from France took a dream start and led 4-1 after six minutes. Even though Mohamed Aly was able to distinguish himself several times in the goal of the “Pharaohs”. However, he was in no way inferior to his counterpart.
Two styles of play met: Egypt often met powerfully from the back area, France, especially over the speed game and the second wave – the European champion was able to break away at the beginning of the first half. The first goal from the substitute Fabregas took place for the 16:14 lead (29th), Richardson even increased over a seven-meter to a four-goal lead (30th).
France’s offensive too quickly for Egypt
The second half started similarly to the first. France pressed the pace and therefore had to work relatively little for her goals. The incumbent Africa champion, on the other hand, often rubbed the French defense. The high energy expenditure was rewarded in the 39th minute when Seif el -Deraa could shorten to 22:23 – the North Africans did not let France pull away!
After his third time penalty (49.), France’s defense chief Karl Konan was no longer allowed to participate. The 29-year-old had to watch from the stands how his teammates continued to struggle. When Dika Mem with two goals set to 32:30 (58th), the favorite seemed to be able to breathe, instead the heartbeat finale followed with Omars balance and Karabatic ‘despair.
There was sad scenes after the final whistle when the Egyptian el-Deraa, which was dissolved in tears, received the award for the game player. El-Deraa scored five times, his teammate Ahmed Hesham even eight times, Mem and Nedim Remili were six times successful for France.