Bronze medal matches are often flat affairs. Today’s bronze match between the Netherlands and France? Incredible entertainment from start to finish – with France emerging victorious after extra time, 33–31.
Both regular halves were actually quite similar. The Netherlands started at a furious pace and France struggled to keep up. The stands were rocking in Rotterdam, and both the atmosphere and the quality of play were far better than what we usually see in bronze medal matches.
Gradually, however, France worked their way into the game, slowed the tempo, and with their (almost) always brilliant defensive play, took control of the match. The French led 12–11 at halftime.
Sarah Bouktit – what a player
In the second half, the Netherlands picked up the pace again and managed both to draw level and take the lead over France. But the French fought their way back once more, and in the end it became clear that France’s defensive strength neutralized the Dutch speed. It certainly didn’t hurt France that Sarah Bouktit was completely unstoppable on the line.
The closing stages of regular time were dramatic. With three minutes left, the score was 24–24, and shortly after that France’s line player Ondono was sent off for two minutes. Malestein made it 25–24 to the Netherlands, putting them in the driver’s seat. But soon after, Malestein herself received a two-minute suspension, swinging the advantage back to France.
A late equaliser from star player Housheer was then required to take the match to extra time for the host nation. But once in extra time, there was never any real doubt: France, with greater experience in this kind of situation, handled the pressure best.
France won 33–31, largely because they seemed more comfortable with the moment than the Netherlands, and because Sako in goal and Bouktit on the line stepped up when it mattered most.