Luka Karabatic emerged as a key player in the World Cup quarter-finals, scoring a last-second goal to secure a 34-33 win against Egypt. Despite concerns about his age and reduced role, he proved instrumental. Remili and Minne excelled as playmakers, while Ahmed Hesham made a strong comeback, contributing five goals. However, Karl Konan’s red card and the team’s difficulty with the seven-against-six strategy highlighted areas needing improvement as they prepared for the semi-finals against Croatia.
Highlights of the Match
Luka Karabatic: The Unexpected Savior
As the World Cup approached, many were skeptical about Luka Karabatic’s influence in the tournament, especially after he handed over the captaincy to Ludovic Fabregas. At 36 years old, it was believed that his role in the French team would be reduced. Nevertheless, the entire squad echoed a sentiment: “Lulu” would step up when required. He certainly did just that in the quarter-finals, scoring an astonishing last-second goal from midfield to clinch victory over Egypt with a score of 34-33. Karabatic, the younger sibling of Nikola, showcased his brilliance by finding a slim opening, with the ball crossing the line merely two-tenths of a second before the final buzzer. This unforgettable moment will be etched in the annals of French handball history, alongside the legendary feats of players like Elohim Prandi, Jackson Richardson, and Grégory Anquetil.
Key Players to Watch
Remili and Minne: Exceptional Playmakers
In a striking contrast during the quarter-final match, the French team faced offensive challenges despite the impressive performances from their centers, Nedim Remili and Aymeric Minne. Remili kickstarted a strong opening for the Blues, finishing the game with six goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Minne’s contributions were equally pivotal—his perfect shooting record of five out of five, coupled with two assists, showcased his exceptional agility and footwork, wreaking havoc on the Egyptian defense.
Ahmed Hesham: The Prodigal Son Returns
Amid uncertainty surrounding his participation due to a knee injury, Montpellier’s Ahmed Hesham proved his worth after not having played a single minute during the main round. Renowned as a key player for the Pharaohs, he initially struggled upon entering the match but quickly regained his composure. In the second half, he dominated the game, netting five goals and launching powerful long-range shots that often exceeded speeds of 100 km/h. His exceptional shooting forced the French defenders to double-team him, creating open lanes for his teammates.
Areas for Improvement
Karl Konan: A Costly Mistake
Karl Konan, a vital component of the French defense, demonstrated excellent skills during the first half, consistently forcing the Egyptian team to take difficult shots. However, he nearly derailed his team’s efforts by receiving a red card. After accumulating three temporary two-minute penalties, Konan’s final foul in the 49th minute led to his permanent dismissal from the match. Although his last foul was typical for his position, the first two were unnecessary, including a failure to maintain the required three-meter distance during a ball return and a mishap involving too many players on the field during a substitution. Thankfully, the French team advanced, allowing Konan another chance to play in the semi-final against Croatia.
Struggles with the Seven-Against-Six Strategy
The rule permitting a team to replace its goalkeeper with an additional field player has been a source of frustration for the French squad. Despite leading by four goals at halftime (18-14) against Egypt, the French team struggled defensively when Egypt employed their six-attackers strategy in the second half. However, they managed to secure the win. Looking ahead to the semi-final against Croatia, it appears that the latter will have limited opportunities to adopt this tactic—unless an unexpected situation arises.