Nikola performed very well, despite his painful left hamstring muscle. In the first game of the tournament, on last Thrusday, he scored one goal and gave four assists in his team victory, 29:21 over Egypt. On Saturday he did excellent against Iceland, not only as goalscorer with 6/1 goals, but also as a assists player, five from his passes being converted in golas from his teammates. Les Bleus won this match, too, 31:28.
On Sunday the tournament had a happy-end for the squad coached by Claude Onesta. Spain, who played very well until that day, had to accept again the defeat against the hosts, 33:29. Despite the final result, "l´Equipe tricolore", without Dinart (the whole game on the bench) und Narcisse, both out with easy injuries, encountered difficulties against the Spaniards. The first 10 minutes were excellent for Niko and co., in lead with 7:2, but they couldn´t keep the pace high and Juan Carlos Pastor´ side was the one who ended the first 30 minutes in advantage, 17:15. After the break, the opponent had even 4 goals advance, 21:17 (35.), but Niko (4 goals, 3 assists) and Titi Omeyer (20/3 saves) were responsible for their team comeback, while Abati (7/3 goals in the last 20 minutes) brought France a precious victory.
Otherwise, Claude Onesta decided that the lefthanded Cedric Paty will be the 15th player. He will join the team in Beijing and in case of injury will be able to replace a player from the intial roster composed of 14 players before the quarter final.
The statistics of "EuroTurnoi"
Thrusday, 24th July
France - Egypt 29:21 (14:10)
France: Omeyer (7 saves), Karaboué (8 saves) - Fernandez (8/2), Dinart, Burdet, G. Gille (2), B. Gille (4), Narcisse (5), Karabatic (1/1), Kempé, Abati, Abalo (2), Bosquet, Ostertag (3), Paty (4).
Spain - Iceland 38:32
Saturday, 26th July
France - Iceland 31:28 (16:16)
France : Omeyer (7/1 saves), Karaboué (9 saves) - Fernandez (5), Burdet (2), G. Gille (1), B. Gille (2), Girault (1), Karabatic (6/1), Kempé (4), Abati (3), Abalo (3), Guigou (4), Ostertag, Paty.
Spain - Egypt 37:29
Sunday, 27th July
France - Spain 33:29 (15:17)
France : Omeyer (20/3 saves), Karaboué - Fernandez (4), Dinart, Burdet (2), G. Gille (3), B. Gille (5), Girault (3/1), Karabatic (4), Kempé (1), Abati (7/3), Abalo (2), Guigou (2), Sorhaindo, Paty.
Iceland - Egypt 30:33
