8 - 14 February 2001
Issue No.520
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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 8 - 14 February 2001 Issue No.520 |
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A triple jump
A disappointed Egyptian team lost in the semi-final of the World Handball Championship but not before a historic victory over Russia and a leap from seventh in the world to fourth.
Jackson, of dreadlocks fame, celebrates with team-mates after the final whistle. Egypt's Sherif Mo'men all tangled up against France
(photos:AFP)
Egypt went down to hosts France 24-21 in the semis, had one more chance at glory, a bronze, but ran out of steam in a 27-17 loss to Yugoslavia.
If it was any consolation to Egypt, France snatched the world title, the second time in its history, unseating world champions Sweden 28--25 in a final that went into extra time.
Despite the twin setbacks, Egypt produced its best-ever handball performance, pulling out all the stops on its way to the semi-final. Even its loss to France in the penultimate match of the 15-day tournament could have swung its way if not for some highly questionable officiating by the Danish referees.
As far as Egypt is concerned, the highlight of the championship was knocking off Russia, the Sydney Games gold medalist, out of the competition in round eight. The Egyptians held off the former world championships 21-19 in what was the undisputed upset of the tournament.
Against France two days later, Egypt came out strong while the French were surprisingly reticent, the pressure showing of having to meet the expectations of a 13,500-strong crowd which filled Bercy stadium to capacity. "Egyptian handball has been improving for a long time," conceded French coach Daniel Costantini before the match. "We cannot take them for granted."
The hosts scored the opening goal through Bertrand Gille. Sherif Hegazi tied it at one. A quick counter-attack led by Hussein Zaki knotted it up at two all. A tremendous drive from the side by Hazim Awwad gave the visitors a 3-2 lead. Seconds later, Zaki, who would later be named to the world championship dream team, showed his all-star worth, making it 4-2, then 5-2 after seven minutes had gone by in the first half.
The few Egyptians in the stands were ecstatic; a hush fell over the French majority. Andreij Golic pulled a couple back for France to bring it to within one goal at 5-4. A save by goalie Mohamed El-Rubi promptly translated into a quick counter-attack and an 8-5 Egyptian lead. Goalie Christian Gaudin was getting little help from his defence while Jerome Fernandez went on to miss a penalty. Gohar Nabil capitalised on French ineptness to make it 9-5 and the irrepressible Zaki notched one more for a 10-6 score.
Coach Costantini rallied his troops in a time-out. El-Rubi was struck flush on the face by a shot which left him reeling. Two quick strikes and the half ended still in Egypt's favour 10-8.
The second-half scoreline went 11-10, 12-10 and 13-12 before Saber Hussein was sent off after three suspensions. El-Rubi continued to dazzle in goal but the French, taking advantage of the extra man, equalised for the first time in the game, 14-14. That was the turning point. Ayman El-Alfi was suspended as well, courtesy of a controversial refereeing call. For the first time since the opening minute, France took the lead 15-14.
Veteran Frenchman Jackson Richardson made it 16-14 and Gregory Anquetil gave France a three-goal lead before Egypt closed the gap to 19-18. El-Rubi was hit again, never to recuperate 100 per cent. Still, France could not shake off the feisty Egyptians entirely. It held a bare 22-21 lead before Bertrand Gill buried any chance Egypt had as he made it 23-21 with one minute to go. Anquetil added insult to injury with a goal in the final second against what was by then an Egyptian squad in disarray, 24-21.
A dispirited Egypt side went down 17-27 to Yugoslavia in the play-off for third and fourth places. Following the nail-biter with France, the Egyptians had been sapped of their energy and there was little doubt where the bronze medal would end up. "We wanted to show our better side today, although the disappointment of not reaching the final is still immense," Yugoslav coach Branislav Pokrajac told a press conference.
In an ironic twist, competing coaches Pokrajac and Egyptian coach Zoran Zivkovic had played together on the Yugoslav team which won the World Championship in 1970 and 1972.
In the other semi-final, Yugoslavia was one second away from extra-time against Sweden but time ran out for the Yugoslavs. The win sent Sweden to the finals for the third consecutive time. "I have watched France play some very strong games in the last 12 years and we have met them many times," Swedish coach Bengt Johansson said before the match. "It should be a good game."
In other playoff matches, Spain edged Russia in extra time 40-38 for fifth place. With a second remaining, Spain led 35-34. But Denis Krivochlykov sent Russia to extra time with a buzzer-beating equalizer.
In the playoff for seventh place, the Ukraine coasted to a 30-24 win over Germany, having led 17-8 at the half. France had earlier downed Germany 26-23 in extra time.
Swedish team captain Stefan Lovgren was named best player in the championship. His team won the fair play award.
Following the tournament, the all-star team, which included one Egyptian, was chosen: David Barrufet (Spain), Stefan Lovgren (Sweden), Eduard Kokscharow (Russia), Hussein Zaki (Egypt), Kyung-shin yoon (South Korea), Zikica Milosavljevic (Yugoslavia), Bertrand Gille (France).
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