One year after being the world champion, France did it again! In front of a crowd estimated at 14,000-plus (new record for the final of a women’s Euro) France won for the first time the European Championship. After losing the 2016 Olympics Games against Russia, France really wanted to take this one especially because it was played at home in Paris.
?? France 24 – 21 Russia ??
(Half-time 13 – 12)
Off to a good start, France was leading the score (3-1, 4e) with their offensive asset Estelle Nze Minko and a solid defense with Amandine Leynaux. But Russia always find the way to get back in the game and thanks to the MVP of the tournament, Anna Vyakhireva, they never let France stay ahead. At the half-time, and thanks to a goal of Alexandra Lacrabère, France was leading 13-12.
After the break, the main event occurs around the 35′: On a seven-meter throw, Allison Pineau’s successfully shot hit the temple of Russian goalkeeper Anna Sedoykina. After checking the video, the referees chose to validate the goal (16-13, 35th), but to expel the tricolor half-center, which came out in tears off the court. The Parisian crowd went crazy after seeing this as an injustice by the referees. In an indescribable atmosphere, the intensity suddenly increased and the game become more intense… But with experienced players like Alexandra Lacrabère and Amandine Leynaux, France was set to win this final.
France is now qualified for the next Olympics Games and they are now the favorite to succeed to Russia that won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics Games. France is the first time to be qualified for the Olympics Games.
3rd place for the Nederlands
With the best defensive player of the tournament Kelly Dulfer, the Nederlands concluded an excellent tournament against Romania in order to claim the third place of the tournament. They control the game all along without being challenged by a Romanian team that looks a bit tired after a tough game against Russia.
Final positions and results
2018 European Women’s Handball Championship
? France ??
? Russia ??
? Netherlands ??
4. Romania ??
5. Norway ??
6. Sweden ??
7. Hungary ??
8. Denmark ??
9. Montenegro ??
10. Germany ??
11. Serbia 
12. Spain ??
13. Slovenia ??
14. Poland ??
15. Czech Republic ??
16. Croatia ??
FINAL
Saturday, December 16, 2018
?? France 24 – 21 Russia ?? (13-12)
3rd PLACE GAME
Saturday, December 16, 2018
?? Romania 20 – 24 Netherlands ?? (8-15)
SEMI-FINALS
Friday, December 14, 2018
?? France 27 – 21 Netherlands ?? (12-11)
?? Russia 28 – 22 Romania ?? (16-15)
All Star Team and awards of the Women’s Volleyball World Championships
MVP
Anna Vyakhireva (RUS)
Best Defense Player
Kelly Dulfer (NED)
All Start Team
Goalkeeper – Amandine Leynaud (FRA)
Right wing – Carmen Martín (ESP)
Right back – Alicia Stolle (GER)
Centre back – Stine Bredal Oftedal (NOR)
Left back – Noémi Háfra (HUN)
Left wing – Majda Mehmedović (MNE)
Pivot – Crina Pintea (ROU)
