France can thank Charles Bolzinger’s head. It saved Portugal’s last shot and decided the bronze match. The medal became the country’s 13th – the most in World Championship history.
France is now the most successful men’s handball nation in the world. This after the national team’s victory over Portugal in the World Championship bronze match. But it was decided in the final seconds.
Even though France started the match without superstars Dika Mem or Nedim Remili, the team had no trouble scoring. The surprise nation Portugal didn’t have any problems either, and after just ten minutes, the score was 7–7. The goal party continued throughout the first half, with France leading 19–17 at halftime.
At the start of the second half, Portugal turned things around, largely thanks to a stellar performance by Gustavo Capdeville in goal. But when France’s other superstars didn’t step up, Aymeric Minne took matters into his own hands. The 27-year-old scored a total of ten goals.
With the score at 34–34 and 23 seconds left, France was awarded a penalty and Melvyn Richardsson scored. Portugal got one more chance, but this time Charles Bolzinger’s head was in the way.
The victory means that France now has 13 World Championship medals – the most by any country on the men’s side. France previously shared the top spot with Sweden. Denmark is in third place with seven medals, but they will have eight after tonight’s final against Croatia.
The final starts at 18:00 CET.