It has been a wonderful group stage for France’s Women’s Handball side as, unlike the men, they have gone unbeaten and topped their group at their home Olympics. They are the team to beat and here’s a look at who could manage it.
Group Stage Review –
The action started before even the Opening Ceremony had occurred when Slovenia and Denmark got the competition underway. Denmark was able to win 27 19 with a convincing performance. South Korea came from four goals down to defeat Germany by 23-22 in their first game. Eight goals from Nathalie Hagman were enough for Sweden to beat Norway 32-28.
A dominant seven goal run after half-time for Slovenia against South Korea, was enough for them to get their first victory in Paris. Sweden continued their solid start to the Olympics when they beat Germany which included a 17 save performance from Johanna Bundsen. Norway ended the matchday with a comfortable performance against Denmark.
Germany was able to put in a brilliant performance against Slovenia with four different players scoring over six goals. Norway beat South Korea 26-20 before Denmark managed to pull of a come from behind victory against Sweden. The Swedes were able to put that behind them when they defeated South Korea 27-21 in the first game on matchday four. Despite having a five-goal lead at one point, Denmark needed to hang on to defeat Germany by one goal in a close 28-27 matchup. Norway was able to beat Slovenia 29-22 to continue their great start to the Olympics.
Going into the final match any of Norway, Sweden and Denmark could’ve finished top and any of Germany, South Korea and Slovenia could’ve qualified. Eventually it would be Norway who took top spot on goal difference after their 30-18 win over Germany. Sweden came from behind in their match against Slovenia to secure 2nd. Denmark were able to get a big win against South Korea but it would only be enough for 3rd. As the bottom three sides lost it would be Germany who came 4th because of goal difference.
The first match in Group B was a back-and-forth encounter between Netherlands and Angola but it was the Dutch who managed to come on the right side of it with a 34-31 win. Gabriela Moreschi put in a wonderful performance in Brazil’s 29-18 win against Spain, in which she made 14 saves. In the other game on matchday one, France defeated Hungary 31-28.
Hungary was able to bounce back from that defeat-to-defeat Brazil 25-24 in the last second of the game with a goal from Petra Simon. Angola secured their first win in Paris with the help from Vilma Nenganga’s seven goals. The hosts, France, continued their great start to the tournament when Chole Valentini’s 10 goals earnt them a 32-28 win over the Netherlands.
The Dutch got their second win of the Olympics on matchday three when they beat Spain 29-24. Hungary and Angola couldn’t be separated in a tight encounter which finished 31-31. Katrin Klujber and Albertina Kassoma both got nine goals for their respective sides. France won their third game 26-20 versus Brazil. Netherlands, France and Hungary all secured their spots in the quarter finals in their fourth game when they beat Brazil, Spain and Angola respectively.
The final spot in the quarter finals was all up to play for between Brazil and Angola, and it would be Brazil who secured it with a 30-19 win after another brilliant performance from Moreschi. France managed to go five from five in the groups when they beat Spain 32-24. Netherlands secured 2nd with a 30-26 win versus Hungary.
Quarter-Finals Preview –
Norway vs Brazil – Moreschi is having a games to remember for Brazil, but she will need to put in a brilliant performance to help her side defeat Norway. The gold medallists from Beijing and London, Norway, managed to bounce back from opening day defeat to take top spot in Group A and will be looking to reach another Olympic final.
Denmark vs Netherlands – The three-time champions between 1996 and 2004, Denmark, have returned to the Olympic stage in great fashion with four wins but that was only enough for 3rd in the group. That means they take on the Dutch who are looking for the first Olympic medal.
Hungary vs Sweden – Hungary have had a slightly disappointing campaign in Paris and will be looking to turn that around when they play Sweden. Sweden have performed well in Paris and will be looking to continue that in the knockout stages.
France vs Germany – The reigning Olympic champions have turned up at their home games and dominated. They are currently unbeaten and will surely add to that when they take on Germany. It’s Germany’s first Olympics since 2008 and their big win against Slovenia was enough to take them through but France provide a much bigger challenge.
The quarter-finals take place on Tuesday, August 6 from 9.30am local time.
