Handball-Germany dash French hopes, Spain, Denmark, Slovenia also into men's semis
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LILLE, France - Germany, Spain, Denmark and Slovenia earned places in the men's Olympic handball semi-finals by winning hard-fought matches against hosts France, Egypt, Sweden and Norway respectively at the Pierre Mauroy stadium on Wednesday.
The French agonisingly lost 34-33 to Germany in the quarter-finals, ending their dreams of another handball double gold success with the women's team and bringing the curtain down on left back Nikola Karabatic's career as he retires.
"I don't think I realise it right now because the pain of the defeat is still there, but I’m very proud of what I have achieved," three-times world player of the year Karabatic said.
"I will cherish the time with my teammates in the locker room, the last moment with them to maybe drink a beer, reflect on everything and be there to cheer them up, because it's a tough moment for us," he added.
French right wing Valentin Porte and goalkeeper Vincent Gerard are also retiring.
France had been ahead at halftime but made a huge mistake when they lost possession in the final seconds, allowing Germany right back Renars Uscins to score and take the game to overtime. The 22-year-old also netted the final tie-breaking 9-metre shot.
Earlier, Spain edged Egypt 29-28 and will play the Germans in the semis, with right wing Aleix Gomez pouring in nine points, including the final tie-breaking shot during overtime.
Tokyo silver medallists Denmark beat Sweden 32-31, with left back Simon Pytlick scoring nine goals.
On Friday, they meet Slovenia in the semis after the Eastern European team beat Norway 33-28, with right wing Blaz Janc and left back Aleks Vlah pouring in a combined 20 points.
The French women's team still have a chance to claim gold, having won all six of their matches in the competition so far.
Les Bleues face Sweden in the semi-finals on Thursday, while Tokyo bronze medallists Norway play Denmark.
"We're in the middle of it now, we want to take a big step in the semi-final - we're getting closer to the end," France coach Olivier Krumbolz said after they beat Germany on Tuesday. REUTERS
