France crash to opening defeat

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Having already lost to Portugal in Euro 2020 qualifiers, Les Bleus were again disappointed as they lost 25-28 to the Iberians in their opening match of the competition in Trondheim last night.

France - Portugal: 25-28
Since 16 January 2012, France had not lost their first group match at the Euros. On that day it was defeat to Spain in Serbia, but this time it was Portugal who created the first upset of the competition.

Despite Nikola Karabatic's four goals, Les Bleus were never really in a position to win the game. Behind by one goal at half-time (11-12), the French thought they could get back into the match with an equaliser in the 53rd minute, but their opponents held firm until the end.

France now have just one thing on their minds: to win against Norway - in Norway - to stay alive in the competition. A task worthy of this team's potential!

Norway - Bosnia and Herzegovina: 32-26
Sander Sagosen's 12 goals were a major factor in Norway's victory over Bosnia. A very nice score from the Parisian playmaker, who was voted MVP in the match and also jumped the highest of anyone in the match as he took a shot: 68 cm off the ground!

View this post on Instagram

Tusen takk for i kveld Trondheim! La oss fortsette på søndag 🇳🇴🥰 @handballandslagene

A post shared by Sander Sagosen (@sandersagosen) on Jan 10, 2020 at 3:15pm PST

The assured win also allowed the coach to rotate his squad in preparation for the clash with France.

Sweden - Switzerland: 34-21
The finalist of the last Euros held their own against the Swiss. Led by a Palicka in rare form with a 47% save rate and two goals, Kim Ekdahl Du Rietz (six goals) and his teammates did not falter. They move to top spot in Group F, ahead of Slovenia, who beat Poland. 

 

Slovenia - Poland: 26-23
With less than five minutes' playing time, Kamil Syprzak was unable to help his side in yesterday's match against a Slovenia side coached by Sweden's Lubomir Vranjes. A defeat to be forgotten tomorrow against Switzerland.

The Parisians to watch today:
18:15: Spain - Germany (beIN Sports 3)
6.15 pm: Denmark - Iceland (beIN Sports Max 10)