France's national handball team showcased resilience and skill by defeating Egypt 34-33 on January 28, 2025, clinching their spot in the semi-finals of the World Handball Championship 2025. The thrilling match displayed the grit of the French team as they overcame considerable pressure to extend their streak of consecutive semi-final appearances to six.
Held at the Arena of Zagreb, the match unfolded dramatically, with the Egyptians threatening to upset the reigning champions. The encounter was characterized by intense back-and-forth actions, significantly testing both teams' strategies. France opened the match strongly with a quick 4-1 lead, but as the game progressed, they struggled with turnovers, allowing Egypt to take the lead temporarily at 8-7.
Despite various challenges, including penalties against their key defender Karl Konan and stretches of missed scoring chances, the French team managed to hold on to their fortitude. A significant moment came just before halftime when they clawed back to create a four-point lead, closing the first half at 18-14.
The second half saw the Egyptians, crowned champions of Africa just months prior, mount several strong offensive drives. They leveled the game at 24-24 and then 30-30, pushing the French to their limits. The match reached its climax with both teams tied at 32-32 as the clock winded down to mere seconds.
With his calm demeanor under pressure, Luka Karabatic emerged as the hero for France. After the Egyptians tied the game with just five seconds left, Karabatic launched from mid-court to score the decisive point just as the final buzzer echoed through the arena, sealing the victory for his team.
Following the match, Karabatic commented on the tension-filled encounter: “It was a hyper-tense match, very difficult from the first to the last minute, but we made it with a buzzer beater. Thankfully for us, we are still alive, and we are going to the semi-finals.” This sentiment captures not just the triumph but also the relief shared among his teammates and supporters.
Looking forward, the French now prepare to face the host nation, Croatia, who also triumphed over Hungary, overcoming their own deficits to win 31-30. Both semi-final matches promise to be electrifying, with the Croatian fans expected to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
With this latest victory, France reaffirms its status as one of the premier teams in international handball, exemplifying both skill and strategic prowess. Their path to the finals is not merely about competing but also about learning from their previous encounters and leveraging their vast experience against formidable opponents.
The once again successful campaign reflects the French team's growth, particularly the younger talents and key veterans working synergistically. Notably, they have had to navigate through some tough moments, providing invaluable lessons on resilience.
The semi-finals for the Handball World Championship 2025 will take place on February 1, 2025. French fans and sports enthusiasts globally will be eagerly tracking their team’s progress as they aim to overcome the Croatian challenge and possibly secure another championship title.
For viewers eager to catch all the action, beIN SPORTS and TF1 will broadcast the semi-finals, ensuring fans stay connected with their team’s historic run.