she was practically devoured before this match. Most of the experts expected her second defeat in the second round, because she had lost 24:28 to Denmark earlier. Now her chances were smaller, because due to the coronavirus they could not play, among others goalkeeper Björgvin Páll Gústavsson, circular Arnar Freyr Arnarsson, quarterback Janus Dadi Smarason, Olafur Gudmundsson, and above all the biggest star, one of the best playmakers in the world – Aron Palmarsson.
The sensational failure of the Olympic champions
The current Olympic champions – the French had to deal with this match without their coach. Guillaume Gille also tested positive for the coronavirus. He will be replaced by Erik Mathe until the end of the main round. For various reasons, important players were also missing. They did not play, among others Nedim Remili, Ludovic Fabregas or Kentin Mahe.
The game was sensational from the very beginning. In the 25th minute the French were losing only 9:13, but they played the end of this part terribly and by the break they were already conceding seven goals.
After the change of sides, some of the main favorites of this tournament, who have achieved four victories so far, were unable to make up for the losses and lost 21:29. It was their biggest defeat in the history of matches in the European Championship.
According to official statistics on the EHF website, the French had only 50 percent. effectiveness (Iceland – 66 percent). The world’s best former player failed – one of six throws. In the colors of the winners led by coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson, Omar Ingi Magnusson (10 goals out of 13 throws) and Viggo Kristjansson (9/14) flashed. Viktor Hallgrímsson also did a great job, defending with 44 percent. effectiveness (15/34).
Iceland won with France for the first time since 2012 and a match at the Olympics.
Will the game France – Denmark decide about the promotion?
After this defeat, France greatly complicated the realization of the promotion to the semi-finals. He has the same number of points – four – as Iceland and Denmark. The world champions, however, played one match less. On Saturday at At 20.30 they will play against Croatia.
In addition, the French have a more difficult schedule than the Icelanders. The three-wheelers will also play against Montenegro and Denmark, and Iceland’s rivals will be Croatia and Montenegro.
Group 1 table:
- Denmark 2 4 58:45
- France 3 4 82:75
- Iceland 3 4 82:77
- Netherlands 3 2 86:93
- Montenegro 3 2 83:90
- Croatia 2 0 48:59
Matches to be played:
Denmark – Croatia, France – Montenegro, Denmark – the Netherlands, Iceland – Croatia, France – Denmark, the Netherlands – Croatia, Montenegro – Iceland.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
