French handball players largely dominated Latvia (38-19) on Wednesday at home in Valmiera in the qualifying campaign for Euro-2024, which the Blues are already guaranteed to play next January in Germany. Guillaume Gille’s men, who have secured first place in their group since their victory against Poland last month, have signed a fifth success in as many days despite a largely overhauled squad.
The Latvians, dead last in the group and swept 35-18 in the first leg last fall, were never able to glean a first point in front of the deserted stands of Valmiera, three hours by bus from the capital. , Riga. Elohim Prandi, Melvyn Richardson, Aymeric Minne and Julien Bos collected more than half of the blue goals (five each).
Many executives having been left to rest in their club, including the pivots Luka Karabatic and Ludovic Fabregas, this trip was an opportunity for the Nantes native Jérémy Toto to honor his first selection, embellished with a goal from his first ball ( 11-4, 18e).
In the absence of Vincent Gérard, the Dunkirk goalkeeper, Samir Bellahcene, also played his first minutes in the France team at the end of the match. The French vice-world champions will have the opportunity to complete their campaign undefeated against Italy on Sunday in Rouen (6:30 p.m.).
