Palicka qualifié avec la Suède, les Bleus assurent contre l’Islande

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After losing to Denmark on Friday, Andreas Palicka's Sweden responded perfectly against Portugal on Sunday, booking their place in the semi-finals. Les Bleus, meanwhile, have the chance to secure their place in the Final4 when they take on Austria on Monday. Take a look back at how our Parisians are doing at EHF Euro 2024.

LES BLEUS GET THE BETTER OF ICELAND

Two days after a thrilling 34-32 win over Croatia, the French team built on their confidence against Iceland on Saturday (39-32). It was a match in which Nikola (three goals), Luka (two goals) and Elohim (two goals) shone, both in front of goal and as part of this France team. Ahead on the scoreboard from the first minute to the last, Guillaume Gille's men never wavered, putting in a fine performance in money time to take another step towards the semi-finals. Qualification could be sealed as early as this Monday if they beat Austria, who are currently third in Group 1 and two points behind the French.

SWEDEN QUALIFY

After conceding their first defeat of the tournament, 28-27 to Denmark on Friday, Sweden immediately got back to winning ways on Sunday. A 40-33 victory over Portugal ensured that Andreas Palicka and his team-mates booked their place in the semi-finals. Assured of finishing second in their group behind Denmark, the Scandinavians are now under less pressure before facing Norway on Tuesday - the final day of the main round.

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DOMINIK STILL IN THE RUNNING WITH HUNGARY

Hungary's fine run could see them reach the Final4 of a Euro for the first time in their history. Beaten by Austria on Thursday (29-30), the Magyars responded perfectly against Croatia on Saturday (29-26). It was a match in which Dominik shone on more than one occasion. Taking advantage of Austria's heroic draw with Germany (22-22), the Hungarians are currently second in Group 1 behind France, and one point clear of Germany, their opponents on Monday. It promises to be a decisive encounter for Dominik and co.

THE NETHERLANDS FALL SHORT

After a convincing preliminary round, the Netherlands paid for a lack of precision and experience against Norway on Friday (35-32) and then against Slovenia on Sunday (37-34). Luc Steins was as decisive as ever against the Scandinavians (three goals), but it was against Slovenia that the Rouge et Bleu centre-half really shone. In addition to his six goals, he also played a crucial role in Niels Versteijnen's historic 15-goal performance, dishing out several assists for his team-mate. It was a performance that made him the assists leader at Euro 2024, with 38 to his name, ahead of former Parisian Sander Sagosen, who has 34 for Norway.

Still stuck on zero points in this preliminary round, the Dutch are now eliminated even before they face Portugal on Saturday. However, Luc and co will be keen to leave the tournament on a high note by beating Paulo Pereira's men.

END OF THE ADVENTURE FOR TONNESEN'S NORWAY

Surprised at the start of the main round by Portugal (32-27), Norway responded well against the Netherlands on Friday (35-32) to keep their Final4 hopes alive. Trailing by a goal at the break (30': 16-18), the Scandinavians bounced back, thanks in particular to some fine finishing from Kent Robin Tonnesen (three goals). However, it was a bridge too far for the Norwegians two days later against Denmark (23-29). Largely dominated in the first half (30': 11-18), Jonas Wille's men managed to reduce the gap in a second half in which Kent once again shone (three goals). However, the three-time reigning world champions drew on their experience to put the game beyond doubt in money time, thereby confirming their place in the Final4.

Norway, currently fifth in their group, take on Sweden on Tuesday, in a match with nothing at stake for either team.

(Credits: EHF Euro)