Les Bleues dominate Romania (30-25) and continue their momentum at the Women's Euro

Laura Flippes et les Françaises sont passées en force face aux Roumaines. MTI – Zsolt Czegledi

Although pushed around, the Tricolores made the difference in this first match of the main round, in Debrecen (Hungary), this Thursday, December 5, and remain well placed in the race for the semi-finals.

Far from being brilliant, the French avoided the trap set by Romania on Thursday and won 30-25 at the end of their first match in the main round of the Euro in Debrecen (Hungary). After a flawless first round, Sébastien Gardillou's players are continuing their momentum and occupy the top of Group I, the first two of which will qualify for the semi-finals in Vienna.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Lack of offensive efficiency

The Romanians, who had already teased France before the Games (30-28 friendly victory), once again gave the Olympic vice-champions a few cold sweats, dominating but lacking offensive efficiency. Buoyed by the supporters who partly enlivened the Fonix Arena, a 6,500-seat venue in Debrecen, the teammates of Maria Bazaliu, one of the dangers identified by Sébastien Gardillou, made the Bleues doubt for a long time, coming back to equality as the last ten minutes approached (20-20 in the 49th minute).

The first half had already outlined the outlines of a match that would not be a walk in the park for the French. The first half was that of the defenses, Laura Glauser on one side (seven saves at half-time) and Tomina Curment on the other, each distinguishing themselves.

Grandveau in charge

But if the French dominated the debates, they especially experienced a lot of waste in attack (50% success at half-time, 12-9 on the scoreboard) and haste despite the 4/4 of Chloé Valentini, who finished with a perfect record (6/6). Les Bleues even saw their small lead (+4) melt away during the second half, allowing Doina Bors to equalize for the first time (16-16, 42nd) then Bazaliu to bring her team back to level (20-20 in the 49th) with another powerful shot clocked at 114 km/h.

But in the last five minutes, Léna Grandveau came to sound the end of the opponents' hopes, by lining up four goals in seven minutes, when winger Lucie Granier (5/6 on shots), and goalkeeper Hatadou Sako (47% at 7/15) were also decisive and allowed the world champions to breathe.

Montenegro this Friday

Les Bleues will continue on Friday against Montenegro, who were due to play their first match of the main round against Hungary in the evening (8:30 p.m.). The last match between the two nations had turned in favor of the Montenegrins, who had deprived the French team of a bronze medal at Euro-2022 (27-25 a.p.).