For its return to business after the World Cup final lost in December against Norway, the French women’s team returned to victory this Thursday in Croatia, as part of the second qualifying phase for Euro 2022. Koprivnica, Les Bleues won (21-19) the first of their double confrontation against the checkered players and consolidated their 1st place in the group standings. It now remains to be confirmed on Sunday in Toulouse (5:30 p.m.).
For this trip, Olivier Krumbholz had to deal with new elements, in the absence of Pauletta Foppa, Kalidiatou Niakaté, and Orlane Ahanda, injured. Déborah Lassource (22 years old), the captain of Paris 92 has therefore joined Coralie, her sister (also captain), as well as Sarah Bouktit (19 years old, Metz). Despite an experienced starting six, the Tricolores struggled to break away (7-7, 20th), in an early game that saw goalkeeper Laura Glauser come out injured. At the break, they made the difference (8-12).
Upon returning from the locker room, the Croats still do not admit defeat against the reigning Olympic champions. The gap stabilized between three and four goals, still to the advantage of the Bleues, Cléopâtre Darleux not managing to stop the opposing offensives in her cages. The end of the game was nerve-wracking and Croatia came back a length (19-20, 57th) in a fiery atmosphere. Croatia ends up outnumbered and Déborah Lassource scores the saving goal.
“These two meetings are very important, we are keen to stand out definitively in this pool (which also includes Ukraine and the Czech Republic) where competition is fierce, said the coach at the start of the week. It is the beginning of a long work of 30 months. We are motivated for the 2024 Games.”
After Croatia on Sunday, the rest of these qualifications will take place in just over a month. France will receive the Czech Republic on April 20 in Le Havre, then, if the news allows it, the Ukrainians (23), still in Le Havre. “We hope to face them, blows Krumbholz. We were with them three months ago, we had been wonderfully welcomed. They are adorable. What is happening in Ukraine is appalling and unacceptable. »