France win fifth bronze medal at IHF World Championships!
France started strong with Aymeric Minne scoring the first goal. Both teams showcased solid 6:0 defenses, keeping the game balanced early on. Minne led the French attack, while Portugal exploited defensive gaps. After a close first half, France held a narrow 19:17 lead at the break.
Portugal fought back in the second half, taking their first lead at 21:20 (36’). A hard-fought battle ensued, with both goalkeepers—Gustavo Capdeville and Charles Bolzinger—making crucial saves. France regained control at 30:28, but Portugal kept responding. In the final moments, Melvyn Richardson converted a decisive penalty for the 35:34 lead. With seconds left, Bolzinger’s seventh save denied Portugal the equalizer, securing France’s fifth World Championship bronze.
France 35–34 Portugal (19:17)
France: Desbonnet (4 saves), Bolzinger (8/1 saves); Minne 10, Remili, Bos 4, Prandi 3, Richardson 2, Mem 4, Tournat, Grebille, Karabatic, Fabregas 4, Kounkoud, Nahi 6, Konan, Briet 2.
Portugal: Marques (2 saves), Capdeville (11 saves); Portela 3/3, Iturriza 7, Silva 3, Fernandes 1, Branquinho, Areia 3/3, F. Costa 8, Salvador 2, Gomes, M. Costa 5, Oliveira, Frade 1, Brandao, Magalhaes 1.
Mandatory Credit © Anze Malovrh / kolektiff
