Les Bleus reach the semis, book clash with Palicka's Sweden

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On Monday, Nikola, Luka and Elohim's Equipe de France booked their place in the Final4 of EHF Euro 2024 with a 33-28 win over Austria. Here's a look back at the Parisians' performances on Matchday 4 of the main round.

FRANCE TO TAKE ON PALICKA!

Faced with an early setback against Austria (3': 1-4), France were able to rely on Nikola Karabatic's quality in front of goal to spark a revolt. The new all-time top scorer in the history of the competition, who hit four on the night, once again proved crucial to Guillaume Gille's side's success. Trailing by a narrow margin at the break (30': 15-16), the French came out of the locker room with more verve than their Austrian counterparts and duly carved out a lead at the start of the second period (37': 21-18). Just as the visitors managed to close the gap, however, Nikola sealed victory for Les Bleus with a splendid hat-trick in the final minutes, giving his side a lead that proved decisive (58': 32-28).
With the French team now guaranteed of top spot in their group, their opponents for the semi-finals of EHF Euro 2024 are set: Elohim, Nikola and Luka will meet Andreas Palicka's Sweden, the reigning European champions. This headline clash will take place on Friday 26 January at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne. Before that, Les Bleus will play their final match of the preliminary round against Dominik Mathé's Hungary, who still have hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

HUNGARY BEATEN BUT STILL IN THE RUNNING

Without the injured Dominik Mathé, Hungary were unable to spring an upset against Germany (35-28). But the Magyars had managed to upset the hosts in the opening minutes (6': 4-6), even leading the dance for most of the first half. However, the Germans reacted perfectly in the second half and conceded no goals for a stretch of more than four minutes, sealing Hungary's fate even before the final ten minutes rolled around (48': 28-22).
Although they can still qualify for the semi-finals, the Hungarians no longer have their fate in their own hands. Currently in third place, one point behind Germany, the Magyars will have to see off Les Bleus on the final matchday, while hoping for an upset from Croatia against Germany.

(Credits: FFHandball)