Les Bleus and Sweden lose, Omar's Egypt victorious
On Saturday 27 July, France’s handball team lost to Mikkel Hansen's Denmark (37-29) in their opening match of the men's handball tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. At the same time, Egyptian transplant Yahia Omar won with his team against Hungary (32-35). Finally, Andreas Palicka's Sweden were beaten by Germany (30-27).
SWEDEN LOSES DESPITE PALICKA
Rouge et Bleu goalkeeper Andreas Palicka was unable to prevent defeat for the Swedish national team despite making 13 saves. Sweden will have a chance to bounce back against Spain on Monday 29 July at 16:00.
GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. Germany / 2 points, +3 (1 match played)
2. Spain / 2 points, +3 (1 match played)
3. Croatia / 2 points, +1 (1 match played)
4. Japan / 0 points, -1 (1 match played)
5. Sweden / 0 points, -3 (1 match played)
6. Slovenia / 0 points, -3 (1 match played)
LES BLEUS BEATEN, OMAR DECISIVE
All three Paris Saint Germain players, Nikola Karabatic (three goals), Luka Karabatic and Elohim Prandi (both two goals), played a part in Les Bleus' replay of the Tokyo final against defending champions Denmark. The French led early on before being pegged back and then overtaken by the Danes in the second half. The Tricolores take on Norway in their next match on Monday 29 July (19:00).
Earlier in the day, Yahia Omar's Egypt made a perfect start to the tournament by getting the better of Hungary. The Paris-born player scored no fewer than nine goals and provided five assists. The PSG right-back will next be in action against Denmark at 14:00 on Monday.
GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. Denmark / 2 points, +8 (1 match played)
2. Norway / 2 points, +5 (1 match played)
3. Egypt / 2 points, +3 (1 match played)
4. Hungary / 0 points, -3 (1 match played)
5. Argentina / 0 points, -5 (1 match played)
6. France / 0 points, -8 (1 match played)
