Women’s Handball Semifinals Preview France Vs. Netherlands

Sports Josh Butler
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The Netherlands unquestionably stunned Brazil and handled them with ease. Meanwhile, France was victorious in what was termed the most entertaining handball match of the tournament in their win against Spain. Should both teams expect a hangover effect?

The two teams came head to head before in the initial round of group play, and France emerged victorious 18-14. Netherland was a better match for France. Unlike Spain, the Netherlands have a tendency to play an attacking-oriented style that is quite similar to the “pick and roll” that happens in basketball. This kind of play often makes them susceptible to counterattacks. France, on the other hand, is specialists in the counterattack, and that’s why they won Netherlands 18-14 in a previous encounter.

The Netherlands played at a higher level. Estavana Pollman, Laura van der Heijden, and Angela Malestein all have played energetically on the front end. Plus, they have placed Nycke Groot in a pivot position, who will do her best to keep away Siraba Dembele at the center court and stretch the defense out for the team to find the six-meter crinkle.

They will face a difficult challenge against the French back line, even though, that make it extremely difficult for defenses to burst through. Regardless of entering into overtime against Spain, only 26 goals were allowed.

Russia vs. Norway

Russian team players are rambunctious, aggressive and volatile. Norway team players are fluid, cool, and aggressive as well. For Russia, it means Marina Sudakova, Polina Kuznetsova, Anna Vyakhireva, Vladlena Bobrovnikova and Olga Akopian. For Norway, it is the typical suspects: Nora Mork, Veronica Kristiansen, Heidi Loke, Stine Bredal Ostedal and Camilla Herrem.

It’s going to very tense, and the two teams appear to be in top gold medal form. Norway may surely capitalize on Russian lull, and Mork has to do everything to put this away, if not Norway might end up competing for bronze instead of gold.