Serbia and Montenegro - France 20-23 (7-13)

Kopar, SLOVENIA, January 23, 2004 - After starting victory against Germany, Serbia-Montenegro's national team lost to France 20-23 (7-13) at the 6th Men's European Handball Championship in Slovenia.

France worked very well in the defence and, thanks to the saves of goalkeeper Omeyer, put the match beyond doubt after first half. In the last minutes of the match Serbia and Montenegro only managed to cut the huge deficit to three.

Bonifika Hall in Kopar. Attendance: 3,000. Referees: Rancik and Beno (both from Slovakia).

SERBIA&MONTENEGRO: Sijan, Djurkovic, Curuvija 3 (2), Kokir, Ma. Krivokapic 2, Mi. Krivokapic, Djukanovic, Maksic 4 (3), Lapcevic 1, Petric 1, Milosavljevic 2 (1), Andjelkovic 3, Nikolic 4.

FRANCE: Ploquin, Fernandez 2, Dinart, Burdet 2, G. Gille 4, B. Gille, Anquetil 6, Golic, Girault 1, Karabatic 4, Kempe 2, Omeyer, Abati 2, Cazal.

Penalties: Serbia&Montenegro 7 (6) France 1 (0).

Two-minute suspensions: Serbia&Montenegro 10, France 8 minutes.

Earlier News

January 22: Serbia&Montenegro - Germany 28-26