Tokyo Olympics: "The Blue have more chances of winning than in 2016" the handball players want their revenge on the Russians

Will Brazilian memories resurface in Tokyo?

On Sunday, on the grounds of the Yoyogi Olympic gymnasium, they will be thirteen to cross swords again, five years after the final of the Rio Games, won by the Russians (22-19).

A reunion for the Grail between France and Russia, at the top of world handball, but in a very different configuration from the last Olympiad.

“In Rio, it was a little surprise to be in the final,” recalls Amélie Goudjo, former captain of the France team.

There, it's been a while since the Blue are no longer hiding and they are aiming for the gold medal.

I think they have a better chance of winning than in 2016, because it was the start of their journey.

“Since Brazilian money, the tricolor has flown many times in the air, and the Marseillaise has been sung at the 2017 World Cup as well as at the Euro 2018.

Who is it who will play their second Olympic final in a row?

😯🇫🇷 @ PineauAllison @Graace_Z @Estellenzeminko #BleuetFier # Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/2sBLBSy7L0

- French Handball Teams (@FRAHandball) August 6, 2021

Sunday, the players of Olivier Krumbholz will approach this shock with an experience built on international successes, including one against the Russians to adorn themselves with European gold, three years ago.

But Rio will inevitably be in a corner of the head of the protagonists still at the top level, such Allison Pineau.

“Each time there is a bitter taste for the lost finals, assures Amélie Goudjo.

The first time you reach a final, it's a bit of a surprise, like in Rio.

This is a second in a row and the French will necessarily be disappointed if they lose, after having tasted so much gold lately.

"

The Blue came back from nowhere

However, reaching this stage of competition in Japan was not easy coming out of the group stage. Survivors after a life-to-death match against Brazil, the Blues have gained momentum over the knockout matches, just like their next opponents. "After the draw against Brazil and the horrible match against Sweden (36-24), I think everyone thought that Russia would come home from the group stage but we are here", launched international back Vladlena Bobrovnika, after eliminating the Norwegian favorites in the semifinals (27-26).

A similar course for the two nations which suggests an intense fight for the title.

The keys to French success will be various.

First of all, to master one of the most lethal weapons of the Russian team, Anna Vyakhireva, author of 39 goals in this Olympic tournament and already executioner of the Blue in Rio.

“There are tactical plans that are going to be put in place.

The last time was not to muzzle her completely but rather to play on her weak point, the physique, so that she is a little less effective at the end of the match, ”Amélie Goudjo analyzes.

The keystone defense

Then, the tricolor Olympic vice-champions will be able, and must, be based on their defense, trademark of this team, symbolized by two goalkeepers at the top of their art, in quarter (for Amandine Leynaud) and in half (for Cléopâtre Darleux) ).

Conversely, the Russian formation fishes in this sector.

Charge to the French to exploit these flaws, in particular via their main offensive asset, Grâce Zaadi, in demonstration against Sweden (7 goals).

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A post shared by Grâce Zaadi Deuna (@gracezaadi)

This final will also have a special flavor for Grâce Zaadi, who plays for a club in Russia, in Rostov-Don, where she notably rubs shoulders with a certain Anna Vyakhireva. “This can give more keys, argues Amélie Goudjo. It can be a key element in preparing for the match to have a "spy player". “A parameter that will certainly not have escaped the emblematic coach of the Blues, Olivier Krumbholz, in view of this last step. Perhaps the most beautiful in the history of French women's handball, to finally reach the state of Grace.