The French handball players largely beat the Ukrainians (27-18), this Saturday evening in Le Havre in qualifying for Euro-2022. Since the start of the Russian invasion, this is the first time a Ukrainian team sports team has traveled to France.
The French Olympic champions, however already qualified for the European Championship in November, have destroyed almost all the Ukrainian chances of obtaining the second ticket of the group. The meeting began with the cheers of some 2,000 spectators present at the Docks du Havre.
– Manon Lombart-Brunel
“From time to time, you have to know how to support the opponent”
In the stands, there were obviously a lot of French supporters but in the middle of the blue, white, red flags, there was also a little yellow and blue. ” We came to support the Ukrainians morally to mark the occasion on this match“explains Flavie, large blue and yellow flag in hand.
“From time to time, you also have to know how to support the opponentbelieves for his part Christophe. Frankly, I really want them to win tonight. Even if I support the France team, it would be nice if they had a victory.”.
– Manon Lombart-Brunel
“I admire them”
This will not be the case but the Ukrainians did not deserve, especially in the first period.
“The best way to respect them was to play a very good handball game, explains for his part the half-center Méline Nocandy at the end of the meeting. We know the context, there was a lot of emotion but frankly they were strong. I admire them. Honestly, in their place, I don’t know if I would have come to play a handball match like that.”
A courage that forced the admiration of many other players of the France team last night.