France confident of title

Les Bleus showed their clear superiority over the Slovenians, just a day after overpowering Poland 31-22, and Onesta showed himself confident of their chances of capturing glory in Germany.

“The game against Iceland [a 32-24 defeat in the preliminary round] is still in our memory, but the victories over Poland and Slovenia have given us confidence. Things are beginning to fall into place for us. As soon as our interplay works properly, then we can show that France cannot be beaten.”

Daniel Narcisse, who plays his club handball in Germany with Gummersbach, was also bullish on France's prospects, declaring: “The title is ours to lose. All we have to do is go out there and claim it.”

The European champions face Germany on Saturday in Dortmund, an occasion Onesta insisted he was relishing.

“I am buzzing with excitement about this game. Fixtures like this are what makes the World Cup such a special event.”