The third stage of the Golden League 2017/18 was played over the weekend, with defending world champions France proceeding undefeated through the Gjensidige Cup in Bergen, Norway.

France used the opportunity to gain valuable experience for younger players in their squad, while some of their biggest stars, such as Nikola Karabatic, Cedric Sorhaindo and Michael Guigou, did not travel to the competition.

 

After consecutive victories against three difficult opponents however, it is clear that the future of the France team is bright. Young players such as right back Dika Mem and goalkeeper Julien Meyer put on impressive performances during the four-day tournament, where France opened with a 35:29 win against Olympic champions Denmark, drew 29:29 versus their 2017 World Championship final opponents Norway, and defeated Iceland 28:26.

 

“The experience against Norway served us well and tonight Dika Mem, at the very end of the match, fulfilled his responsibilities,” said France coach Didier Dinart after the final game versus Iceland. “The taking of responsibility makes the players grow. I must congratulate the collective team, who did not experience defeat at this competition.”

 

Hosts Norway began their Gjensidige Cup campaign with a 31:29 win against Iceland, followed by the draw against France. In the second match, several of Norway’s key players – Sander Sagosen, Gøran Johanessen, Christian O'Sullivan and Magnus Abelvik Rød – were injured and therefore unable to play the final day.

 

In the Scandinavian derby between Norway and Denmark on the last day of competition, the Danes recorded a surprisingly decisive victory of 33:23. Denmark’s other win came against Iceland, who are now led by the Olympic champions former coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson. Denmark, who were also missing stars such as Mikkel Hansen and Nikolas Landin, won the game 31:28.

 

While France are directly qualified as defending champions and Denmark have an automatic berth as hosts of the 2019 IHF Men’s World Championship, Iceland and Norway are focused on the next crucial event on their calendar – the 2019 IHF World Championship qualification phase. The play-off matches in June will be the next official competitive matches for the sides, with Iceland meeting Lithuania and Norway taking on Switzerland in their respective double headers.

 

Photo: Vidar Ruud, NTB Scanpix