Kolding, Sydbank Arena
South Korea – France 22 – 22 (11 – 11)
Topscorers: Jihae Jung(KOR) 8 goals and Estelle Nze Minko (FRA) 7 goals
Exciting game was waiting between two solid teams, France always in improvement for World Championships and Korea, the Asian Champion, building a competitive team before every Olympics.
The two teams were chasing each other in a close encounter, with two good goalkeeper performances from Leynaud and Park, and smart, eye-catching movements, fast breaks on both sides. Dembele and Nze Minko were efficients for Les Bleus, on the other side of the court Ryu, Jung or Han was responsible for netting.
6-6, 7-7, 8-8, 9-9-none of the teams could break away from the opponent, fight of equal powers.
Last seconds of first half brought both Korean and French goal, so the two sides finished equal 11-11.
France managed to take the lead,and even to increase it to 12-14, but it Korea was determined to follow. This showed to not be an easy task since Glauser came into the French goal and made some important saves.
13 – 16 for France, in 40.minute, when Korean headcoach called timeout. This helped Les Bleus more, 14-17 then 16-19.
Allison Pineau, Chloe Bulleux had some great actions, Korea was kept in game by seven meters.
Five minutes before the end Korea managed to close the gap and get even with France, 21-21, two quick goals scored by Choi Sumin-and this was the right moment to Alain Porter to call his timeout.
The offensive Korean defense tasted bitter for France and Ryu scored for the Korean lead, 22-21. Nze Minko equalized 22-22 and a new game started.
Goalkeepers saves kept the result even, both Glauser and Park was invincible, and Ruy has got suspended for two minutes.
Dying minutes: Korean TO, fast breaks, two minutes suspensions on both sides, mistakes, no more goals scored .
Final result: 22-22.
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