We have a “shock” in the quarter-finals! The Netherlands produced the big surprise and the medal favorites will fight for survival on Wednesday

The last leg of the main group stage pitted France against the Netherlands, the top two finishers in Group 3. It was, in other words, a duel for supremacy in the group, for a more accessible route in the elimination stages. The atmosphere, to the extent of the stake. The Dutch came in large numbers, around 9,000, to support their favourites.

The pressure from the stands paid off. France, the holder of the world title and the second favorite in this edition, lost being led the whole match! Only at the start of the second half, when they managed to equalize at 14, was there balance on the table. Otherwise, the Dutch are always in the lead, with up to 5 goals ahead.

With a few minutes left on the clock, the scoreboard read 20-25. The players from Hexagon melted a little of the difference, for 23-26 at the end.

Holland beat France. A “shock” awaits us in the quarters of the World Championship

The result saw the Netherlands win Group 3 with maximum points. Interestingly, France were left with a superior goal difference despite Monday night's defeat.

This group configuration makes for a trickier route for France in the knockout stages. Denmark, the third favorite for the gold, the team that won Romania's group with maximum points, awaits in the quarters.

On the other half of the table, the Netherlands will face Hungary, the other team that defeated Romania (in addition to Denmark).

Quarters of the Women's Handball World Championship

• S1: Germany – Brazil (December 9, 18:15)

• S2: Denmark – France (December 9, 21:30)

• S3: Norway – Montenegro (December 10, 19:00)

• S4: Netherlands – Hungary (December 10, 22:00)

Pairing in the semi-finals: