Hungary 31:28 France (15:11)
Hungary celebrated their third victory during the European Championship by beating France that saved their best players for the semi-final. The 31:28 means that Hungary can still reach fifth place at the Euro and the Magyars have a good position for the Olympic qualifications. For France it was the first defeat in Norway – but a defeat that didn’t hurt.
France, already qualified as group winners, played without the outstanding goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer; and also some other key players. They were allowed to save their energy for the semi-final on Saturday as coach Claude Onesta said before the game.
Nikola Karabatic, Daniel Narcisse and Bertrand Gille were nominated, but were sitting on the bench most of the time.
The defending European champions did no play with full concentration at the beginning, so Hungary could increase the gap from 7:7 to 14:7 by the 25th minute.
This lead was not only due to a good attacking play (five goals by Ferenc Ilyés), but especially due to the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Nándor Fazekas.
In the last five minutes of the fist half France came closer to 11:15. However, it didn’t look like France had great ambitions to win this match.
Nevertheless, they equalised at 17:17 and took the lead in the 40th minute at 18:17 with Hungary less powerful than in the first halftime.
But after 45 minutes both teams improved and the game reached a higher level with more power and speed. And the match was close as no team could get a bigger distance than two goals. Hungary scored to make it 30:27 just 65 seconds before the end and this decided the match against “France II”.
The best scorers were Fabrice Guilbert (6) and Ferenc Ilyés (9 goals), but the best player on court was the fantastic goalkeeper Fazekas.
Press statements
László Skalinczky (coach, Hungary):
“After a good start we had some problems with the French defence. But in the end we won the match because of our enthusiasm and fighting spirit.
"I’m very satisfied with our tournament here, except the frustrating defeat against Iceland. The team showed a good development and we hope to qualify for the Olympics.”
Claude Onesta (coach, France):
“We took the match seriously, because it was a good preparation for the semi-final.
"We rested some very important players, as they were tired after the hard matches, and also so other players could show what they are able to. We now are preparing to win the semi-final – and we don’t mind, which opponent we meet.”
Ferenc Ilyés (Hungary):
“It was a tough game after the defeat yesterday. This victory is a very big success for us.”
