France take 4 points to Main Round


France are going to Varazdin with all four points from Preliminary Round. The reigning EHF EURO champions routinely beat Austria
France opened the game with a goal from Dika Mem, quickly answered by Elias Kofler for Austria. Nemanja Belos, stepping up in the absence of Boris Zivkovic, gave Austria a brief lead before France reclaimed control with goals from Dylan Nahi, Karl Konan, and Mem, taking the score to 4:2 by the 5th minute.
France’s dominance continued as Thibaud Briet’s goal (7:5) caused a scare for Austria when Lukas Herburger suffered an injury and had to leave the field. Despite Austria’s defensive adjustments, France extended their lead to 11:7, with their attack success rate exceeding 90%. A scoring drought for Austria led coach Ales Pajovic to call a timeout.
France – Austria 35:27 (19:15)
France:
Desbonnet (1 save), Bolzinger (7/1 saves); Minne 2, Remili 3, Bos 2, Prandi 1, Richardson 2, Mem 6, Tournat 3, Grebille, Karabatic, Fabregas 3, Kounkoud 2, Nahi 5, Konan, Briet 6
Austria:
Möstl (2 saves), Kaiper (3 saves); Mahr, Albek, Frimmel 5/2, Belos 4, Herburger 2, Schweighofer, Paulnsteiner 1, Damböck 3, Wagner 4, Nigg 2, Kofler 4, Hutecek 5, Lastro, Miskovez
Herburger returned, stabilizing Austria’s defense and closing the gap to 14:11 by the 23rd minute. However, France’s efficient offense kept their lead intact, ending the half 19:15.
In the second half, Austria briefly narrowed the deficit to 20:18 after improved defensive timing and two quick goals from Kofler. However, errors in Austria’s attack, including turnovers and fouls, allowed France to capitalize, extending their lead to 25:19 by the 44th minute.
Despite Austria’s efforts, France maintained control with Dylan Nahi and Thibaud Briet leading the charge. The match concluded with a decisive 35:27 victory for France, preserving their perfect record.
Mandatory Credit © Eva Manhart / kolektiff
