Tough winners from Austria, Blues in semi-finals

France in the semi-finals of the Euros. The Blues will not have to wait until Wednesday to validate their ticket for the last four of the competition. From this Monday, amazing courage in pain against the Austrians (33-28), but a little short at the end of the match, the reigning Olympic champions achieved their third success in three matches during the main round, which ensures them one. from the first two places in their group. Beautiful work.

In any case, if confirmation of Austria’s status as the surprise team in the competition was needed, the first half was the best proof. At the beginning of the match, first of all, where the Austrians had fun with the French defense during the first five minutes, as did the very efficient Janko Bozovic (3-5). And at the end of the first act, when Ales Pajovic’s men went into the locker room with a narrow lead (15-16), a 4-0 victory over the inside Blues. Which meant, however, that between the two, France was able to react and better the Austrian defence. Between the excellent kung-fu between Nedim Remilly and Dika Mem, the efficiency of Ludovic Fabregas in the pivot or the efficiency of Hugo Desquet in quick play, Guillaume Guille’s men managed to grab a three-point lead (15-12, 26th), before seeing it fly away in three minutes. .

Samir Belahsin, effective last defense

As soon as it restarted, the scenario repeated itself again and again. The Blues scored 4-0 (21-18, 37th) and we thought we’d see them continue until the end. But no, Lukas Hutesek suddenly caught fire to score three goals in a row and Austria clawed their way back into the game as if they couldn’t sink (22-22, 43rd). Except the Austrian coach doesn’t have bench depth like Guillaume Guille. And when Dylan Nahy, Kentin Mahe or even Nicolas Tournat came off the bench to score, Austria ended up opting for the physicality, looking in vain for a hero (26-23, 49th). And this time, Hallelujah, the Blues no longer let go of their advantage, Samir Belahsen made several good saves to snuff out the last Austrian hopes, finally being severely beaten by five goals (33-28). This indicates the largest gap in a much closer match than the score. Close or not, in the end, it’s France that wins.