From our special correspondent in Tokyo
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The full Olympic program
The Olympic medal table
How do you feel before playing this new Olympic final against Russia?
Grace Zaadi:
(Ironically) It's something I already know, it doesn't bother me anymore (laughs).
More seriously, I am very happy for myself and for our team, for all those who support us.
I would like us to take advantage of the moment, even if we still have a victory to go for but it is important to take advantage and realize what we have done, especially after our difficult start to the competition during which our game was not clean.
We got back in hand, we had the strength and the character to set out again as a team, and I'm very happy for us.
We need 14 bosses.
Grace Zaadi
What is different in this group compared to the one that qualified for the final in 2016?
What's different about him? I don't know, maybe a little experience. In 2016 it was the first Olympic medal for French women's handball. There, we are warned and we will also try not to dwell too much on our emotions. In 2016, we were all, me the first, like that to say “wow we're in the final”. For us, it was already something “phew” to have this silver medal whereas today, at least for my part, I arrived here with many more expectations and with the desire to go for the gold medal, and not just an Olympic medal. It is the state of mind, and the fact thatwe will be more in a spirit of conquerors, which will make the difference with 2016.
To win gold, you need a boss in the field. A role that you clearly assumed in the semi-finals…
I think we need 14 bosses who manage their game, their leadership, and who do not overplay. Each in her sector is very valuable to the whole team. Me, it's true that I'm exposed from being a center-half but Méline (Nocandy) was very valuable against Sweden too, as were our goalkeepers, as Pauletta (Foppa) ...
What is your take on the return to the foreground of Allison Pineau?
Yes, I didn't quote it because I didn't want to go too long (laughs).
Allison, she knows, beyond being a close friend, is someone I respect a lot because she's a boss.
She has had ups and downs in her career but she has always recovered.
There has been fierce on her at times but despite the criticism and company, she is still there, just as important.
In defense, she helps us a lot and in attack, when things get hot, she is good, she plays fair.
I'm happy for her but it's not over.
We're all true.
Grace Zaadi
What are the links between the players of the France team?
We share something strong, with a really strong core since 2014-2015, and it is quite simply our experience, everything that has happened since that period that unites us. We have a healthy group. I feel like we're sincere in our emotions and in what we do and I think that's what really unites us. We're all true. Since the match against Brazil and that famous meeting that we all had together, we have more and more wanted to fight for each other and to play with what defines us.
Do you even more want to take your revenge on Russia, who beat you in the final in Rio?
Revenge is not something that drives me. I'm a girl of the moment, no matter the opponent, no matter what he represents, I want to go for the gold.
