Since the start of the World Cup, the French team has shown a lot of serenity ...
Luc Abalo:
It's always positive to start a competition with two victories (against Norway and Austria, Editor's note).
We have a smile but we still remain vigilant because this is only the beginning.
We stay focused, we don't get carried away, we try to keep our head on our shoulders.
We know that against Switzerland, we have a very difficult game against an opponent who should not be underestimated.
Looking back, was the loss and draw against Serbia a week ago, before leaving for Egypt, bad for good?
There hasn't been a big change.
In fact, Serbia played very well, very intelligently.
They took the psychological advantage over us in the second half of the first game (27-24) and in the second game, they had this ascendancy and we could only win the draw (26-26) but in reality , it's a very good team.
Everything was not to be thrown in the trash, we knew that there were good things, we must also admit that the opponent was better.
Norway (28-24 victory on Thursday) was a little more exhausted and we know them a little better: we had more time to prepare for the match and that's what made the difference.
Tomorrow (against Switzerland), it is a team which will perhaps play at 7 (field players), it is a problem that we were not used to solving.
But today, the hand is quite special, everyone plays very well and understands what is possible.
Afterwards, it doesn't play out much, individual exploits.
The outcome of this competition, we do not know.
We just have to stay positive in our heads and during a match, not lose track.
The threat of Covid-19 hangs over the teams: two forfeits before the tournament, and Cape Verde who could not play this Sunday against Germany. Is it reasonable to play this first World Cup with 32 teams in the midst of a pandemic?
I do not have enough elements to say whether it is reasonable or not.
We try to protect our health, there are risks, for sure.
They made the decision to play this competition, we made the decision as players to be there, we were not forced.
We have to follow through with our choices.
You are staying at the foot of the pyramids but cannot leave your sanitary bubble. What do you do with your free time? Do the pyramids inspire you?
We don't have time to do much, I'm a little disappointed.
We spend a lot of time traveling.
In free time, the players go to care, we call our families, we stay in contact with the outside world.
The pyramids are magnificent, we enjoy this beautiful view from the hotel garden but we can't get any closer and we don't have time to be inspired because we talk a lot about handball.
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2021 World Calendar and Results
