No main round for Les Bleus

France-Norway: 26-28
The challenge was a daunting one for France: to beat Norway, the host nation and runners-up in the last world championships, in front of more than 8,000 hostile supporters. However, over the last three years, the advantage was clearly in the favour of Les Bleus, with five wins, two defeats and a draw.

While France gave a much better showing than in their first match against Portugal, it was not enough to beat their Scandinavian opponents. Parisian players scored ten goals for either team in a tight match that confirmed France's failure to qualify for the main round.

Watch the Game Highlights from France vs. Norway, 01/12/2020 pic.twitter.com/Y6i44cFqSX

— EHF EURO (@EHFEURO) January 12, 2020

Didier Dinart's side have one more match in the preliminary round - against Bosnia-Herzegovina - and will be looking for a result to spare their blushes. Meanwhile Norway, with two victories, will be vying for top spot in the group when they take on Portugal.

Switzerland-Poland: 31-24
Kamil Syprzak had another disappointment with Poland, at the Scandinavian Arena in Gothenburg, once again barely making an impression. The Parisian pivot could only watch on as his side fell to Switzerland - their second defeat in a row - and saw their hopes of a place in the main round all but evaporate. They now have to win their final preliminary round match, against Sweden, by at least 11 goals while hoping for Switzerland to lose to Slovenia.

Watch the Game Highlights from Switzerland vs. Poland, 01/12/2020 pic.twitter.com/JOQa4ZjYzw

— EHF EURO (@EHFEURO) January 12, 2020

Sweden - Slovenia: 19-21
Slovenia coach Ljubomir Vranjes engineered a tough night for Sweden and his side managed to emerge victorious after leading by one goal at half-time (9-10).

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HALVTID. Det är en tuff och jämn första halvlek mot Slovenien! Svenskt underläge i Scandinavium, 9-10, i paus. #handboll #handbollslandslaget #dreamwinremember #ehfeuro2020

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Despite three goals from Kim Ekdahl Du Rietz, the Slovenians managed to hold onto a slim advantage until the end, to claim a second consecutive win and take sole control of Group F. Already assured of a place in the main round, they will play their final game against Switzerland tomorrow.

The Parisians to watch today:
6.15pm: Iceland - Russia (beIN Sports 3)
8.30 pm: Netherlands - Spain
8.30 pm: Denmark - Hungary (beIN Sports 3)

(Credits: S. Pillaud/Sportissimo/FFHB)