the Blues are scared but start with a narrow victory against Angola

A painful entry into the competition but successful from an accounting standpoint. The French team won its first match of the world championships against Angola (30-29), Thursday November 30, in Stavanger, southwest of Norway. Not very successful and shaken throughout the meeting by the reigning African champions, the Blues trembled until the end before securing the victory.

The essentials are assured, but the content is not yet completely reassuring. Surprisingly behind, too ineffective (three crossbars hit, 61% success in total), the French had all the difficulties in the world to achieve this first success. They even saw their opponents take the lead in the first minutes. Kept afloat by a very good Chloé Valentini (four goals in the first period), they finally took the lead in the 21st minute, to lead by three lengths at the break (18-15).

We thought the French were off to a good start, but the second act was just as delicate. The Blues had a series of strong moments to take a few points in advance, and gaps of air which saw the Angolans come back to level. Under pressure until the end, they were freed by a last successful shot from Laura Flippes and a post on the last opponent’s offensive.

This victory allows them to join the Slovenes at the top of the group, winners a little earlier in the day against Iceland (30-24). Olivier Krumbholz’s players will face the Icelanders for their next match, Saturday December 2. They must finish among the top three in their group to qualify for the main round.