France became the first team to reach the final of the European Men’s Handball Championship after a thrilling semi-final victory over Sweden, 34-30 after extra time.

France – Sweden 34-30 (27-27), after extra time, in the semi-finals of the WC men’s handball

European Championship holders Sweden were knocked out by France in the EC handball semi-finals after a match full of trouble.

France started the first half confidently, controlled the game and led by six goals (17-11) at the break after a great performance by their goalkeeper Samir Bellahsen.

In the second half, Sweden made an incredible comeback and restored the goal difference.

Moreover, shortly before the end, the Swedes took a two-goal lead, which became incendiary.

The French equalized in the last phase, Prandi finishing with a lightning strike from a free-kick, the bar-goal, managing to send the match into extra time.

The Swedes fell mentally and physically, and France spent two extra periods of five minutes each and entered the grand final with a difference of four goals (34-30).

In the final act of the EC handball, France will face the winner of Germany and Denmark, the teams who meet from 21:30 in the second semi-final.

In their history, the French reached the final three times and managed to win the trophy each time (2006, 2010, 2014).