France - LNH Proligue, Semifinal

TREMBLAY-EN-FRANCE HANDBALL VS FRONTIGNAN THAU HANDBALL 01/06/2024 – 15H15

Getting back into the swing
Frontignan managed to pull off the upset by turning the tide against Pontault-Combault. Despite losing by two goals in the first leg, the trend reversed in the return leg with their three-goal victory. They qualified for the Final Four thanks to an excellent performance by Romain Tesio in the right-back position. This gives them hope of being promoted to the Liqui Moly Starligue. However, due to financial problems that surfaced this year, this could be problematic for the LNH as they might ultimately be unable to move up to the higher league.

For this reason, the league needs an outstanding performance from Tremblay. Having dominated this championship with only one minor defeat, they are expected to prevail.
Their blazing attack, averaging 35 goals per game, should shine once again. Anthony Laurens might not know where to focus. Matteo Fadhuile and Thibaut Garaudet could make things difficult for him. The key for Frontignan will once again be exploiting the central weaknesses of their defense. The two center backs should not only win their personal duels but also set up Quentin Colman or Antoine Léger for long-range shots. With superior technical skills, Tremblay is expected to score more than 38 goals.

However, there are two caveats. Tremblay may have been able to physically prepare for the Final Four with their two weeks of preparation but may have also lost some match rhythm. In contrast, Frontignan will start strong in the first few minutes. The Parisians may face difficulties in the first half due to their opponents' competitive rhythm and physical aggressiveness.
But as the match progresses, Tremblay will gradually get into their game, bringing the necessary commitment and focus to gain the upper hand. The other caveat is that the Hérault team never gives up. They will fight until the end. This is part of their DNA. So, even if the gap widens, they will try to close the score.

Therefore, we believe that Tremblay should prevail, especially due to their second-half performance, with a score around 38 to 33. They will then have one last step to reach their goal of winning the Proligue title.
4o


ISTRES PROVENCE HANDBALL VS SÉLESTAT ALSACE HANDBALL 01/06/2024 - 6PM

Goalkeeper advantage
Sélestat did it. They wanted to be able to compete for promotion during the Final Four at home, and they succeeded with a well-controlled double confrontation against Cherbourg. The absence of Thomas Loppy in defense for the Cotentin players made the job easier for the Alsatians. Now, they face the semi-final at home against Istres. This match should reveal the name of the second team to be promoted to the Liqui Moly Starligue. Indeed, the other semi-final should see Tremblay win and eliminate Frontignan from promotion contention, leaving only the title to be decided on Sunday. This makes the first match of the year for these two teams. They can put all their energy and effort into this match, as the final will be less important. Promotion is the ultimate goal. Who will manage to control this crucial match between two former Starligue teams looking to make a quick return?
It's hard to say. Sélestat has two advantages. The first is, of course, playing at home. Their city was chosen by the LNH to host the Final Four. The CSI should be packed to the brim, with 2200 supporters cheering for their players throughout the match. There should be a lot of noise and atmosphere. The players will be galvanized by this energy.
The second clear advantage is that Sélestat has stayed in the competitive rhythm with these playoffs. Meanwhile, Istres may have had the chance to prepare physically and tactically for this clash but will have lost their match rhythm. This is a key factor in handball, especially in the ultra-fast modern game.
However, there is a significant downside for Sélestat. One of their goalkeepers, who will be transferring next season, has signed with... Istres. The desire to play in the Liqui Moly Starligue next season may be stronger than being a great professional for his current club. This presents a real dilemma for Romain Mathias against his future teammates. With a strong performance, he could achieve promotion this year but play in the Proligue next season. It is likely that Laurent Busselier, considering this factor, will start Gretar Gudjonsson in the Sélestat goal. While he is very good up close, he struggles with long-range shots. Istres will have this advantage, and Toke Schroder should recall fond memories of this venue. But against the best defense in the championship this season, they may often find themselves failing. This will be a very tight and closed match. Tom Vinatier will continue to excel in attack but may be somewhat isolated, accompanied from a distance by Grégoire Plat. However, with Istres' defense being rather low, they may find it challenging to string together dangerous plays. They won't win all the early crucial moments and will then be punished by Vincent Gérard in goal. Gérard, who wants to end his career on a high note, should help his teammates to victory in this tight match where the goalkeepers will be decisive.
We therefore see Istres being promoted with a victory around 28 to 26. Istres will then only have to celebrate their promotion and still prepare for the title match against Tremblay the next day.