29 NOV › 16 DEC 2018 BREST • MONTBÉLIARD • NANCY • NANTES • PARIS

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#Handballissime

EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 1 25/01/2018 14:10 CONTENTS

EDITORIAL First EURO in — p.3 01

A «HANDBALLISSIME» 02 EURO 2018 — p.4

AN ORGANISATION ready to go — p.5 03

CALENDAR 04 of the matches — p.6

QUALIFICATIONS and formula — p.7 05

ACHIEVEMENTS 06 table of medals — p.8

EHF EURO HISTORY 1994 to 2016 - 12 editions — p.9 07

EHF EURO 08 key figures — p.12 and 13

BEHIND THE SCENES of European — p.14 and 15 09

FRANCE 10 women’s national team — p.16

HANDBALL in France — p.18 11

THE HOST 12 territories — p.19

EHF EURO 2018 celebrating across France ! — p.22 13

TICKETING PLATFORM 14 2 phases — p.23 p.02

EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 2 25/01/2018 14:10 EDITORIAL

FRANCE proud to host its first EHF EURO

Less than two years after having hosted the 2017 Men’s handball world championship that thrilled 550,000 spec- tators, and 11 years after the 2007 Women’s world cham- pionship, France will be organising the EHF EURO 2018 in five cities, namely Brest, Montbéliard, Nancy, Nantes and Paris, from 29 November to 16 December 2018. It’s a real first, because while France has already hosted four World championships (2007 for the girls, 1970, 2001 and 2017 for the boys), a European Championship has never been held within its borders. By organising such a competition, France is again confir- ming that it’s a handball country, with the number of this sport’s members steadily increasing, and with sports awards coming one after another. A country for major sporting events, it has internationally renowned know- how, as illustrated by the fact that Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games.

Proud of being entrusted with such a mission and aware of its responsibility, the FFHandball and Organising Com- mittee is pulling out all the stops to ensure that the EHF EURO 2018 will be “Handballissime”: every bit a celebra- tion of handball and its participants, and a great and unifying party for everyone.

“Our organisation of the World championship in January 2017 was phenomenal, and we’ll be hosting the EHF EURO 2018 with every bit as much enthusiasm and demand for excellence. Both in France and worldwide, women’s sports are becoming increasingly important. There’s a need for major international events in order to contribute to the development of women’s sports in general, and this is part of the legacy that we hope to establish with this EHF EURO 2018”, proclaims Sylvie Pascal-Lagarrigue, chairwoman of the Organising Committee.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 3 25/01/2018 14:10 A «HANDBALLISSIME» EURO !

“Handballissime”, a term specially created for the event A women’s sporting event in order to encourage the athletes to go beyond their limits, and the spectators to celebrate handball and women’s By bringing the world’s best players together in France sports in a party atmosphere. “The EHF EURO 2018 is (European handball dominates the major international going to be festive and explosive, which is perfectly illus- competitions), this “Handballissime” EHF EURO 2018 will trated by the excitement behind the word “Handballis- be a planetary event celebrating sports in general, and sime”, confirms Béatrice Barbusse, FFHandball General women’s sports in particular. “This competition also pro- Secretary. This claim will be present on all communication vides an opportunity for us to cast a spotlight on every- media and on the field as well, with the promise of an thing that women can do in sports: playing, of course, intense competition and a strong French team. but also refereeing, training and managing”, Béatrice Bar- busse adds.

“This Euro will be an important event for the development The logo of women’s sports, that will also be in the limelight for the

Definitely modern, the objective of the EHF EURO 2018 following years when France will be organising the FIFA logo is to convey the dynamic image of an event that Women’s World Cup France 2019. It’s an opportunity to most notably wants to address a young audience. work hand-in-hand with other sports, and to build bridges “We wanted a modern and trendy logo. Its graphics, between us so that we can keep developing.” typeface and colours perfectly illustrate the sports event, Sylvie Pascal-Lagarrigue the enthusiasm of the popular celebration and the link between all generations, which will be the major aims of the Euro 2018. Its objective is for the Women’s Euro to become a popular, young, festive and unifying event”, comments Sylvie Pascal-Lagarrigue, chairwoman of the France Handball 2018 Organising Committee.

The poster

Three players from the French team (, and ), three genera- tions, three different positions, the EHF EURO 2018 pos- ter conveys all of the concentration, action and passion of handball. At centre stage, these players illustrate the values of a spectacular, powerful, combative and high- flying sport, which will ensure the splendour and scope of this event.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 4 25/01/2018 14:10 16 AN ORGANISATION TEAM QUALIFIED to take part in the ready to go ! EHF EURO 2018

will host the EHF EURO 2018, 3 of which had hosted the men’s cities 2017 world championship (Paris, 5 Nantes, Brest), and 2 the women’s 2017 world championship (Paris, Nantes) The Organising Committee KILOMETRES Since the EHF EURO 2018 was awarded to France in 7, 500 will be travelled in France by the September 2014, FFHandball has set up an organisation 16 teams as of their arrival in keeping with international standards. As such, the France Handball 2018 Organising Committee was set up while building on the accomplishments and success matches of the world championships in 2007 (women) and 2017 47 OF THE EHF EURO 2018 (men). Its presidency has been entrusted to Sylvie Pas- cal-Lagarrigue, former French international player (167 from 29 November to 16 December selections) and member of the FFHandball board of directors. “Handballissime is the signature of the 2018 Women’s Handball European Championship. From the 6 MONTHS before the FIFA Women’s World first match, the style will be set, with the organisation of Cup France 2019 (7 June – 7 July 2019) an opening match involving the French team, a first in the history of the EURO tournaments that was accepted by the EHF. It’s with this desire for innovation and quality million organisation that the entire strategy of our event is being 10 budget for the event built each day”, comments Sylvie Pascal-Lagarrigue.

250 PLAYERS Key dates will take part in the EHF EURO 2018

• 20 September 2014 : organisation of the EHF EURO 2018 awarded to France during the 12th EHF Conference in Dublin volunteers • 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 : opening of ticket sales 1,300 Opening of the registrations in January 2018 (packages) • 29 November 2017 : D-1 year • May 2018 : opening of single ticket sales 2020 • June 2018 : end of qualifications and official draw for DATE OF TOKYO OG the groups for the EHF EURO 2018 For which the winners of the EHF • 29 November 2018 : opening match between France EURO 2018 will be qualified and an adversary still to be determined, at the Palais des Sports Jean-Weille in Nancy • 16 DECEMBER 2018 : final of the EHF EURO objective 2018 at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris 165,000 for the number of tickets sold

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 5 25/01/2018 14:10 MATCH

schedule Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 29 NOV 30 NOV 01 DEC 02 DEC 03 DEC 04 DEC 05 DEC

2018 WOMEN’S GROUP A NANTES PARC DES EXPOSITIONS - HALL XXL HANDBALL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 6 pm A1 / A3 3 pm A4 / A1 6 pm A3 / A4

9 pm A2 / A4 6 pm A3 / A2 9 pm A1 / A2

Preliminary round GROUP B NANCY PALAIS DES SPORTS JEAN WEILLE 4 GROUPS 9 pm 9 pm 3 pm 6 pm The first three teams from / B3 B2 / B4 B4 / B3 / B4 FRA FRA each group are qualified for the main round. 6 pm B3 / B2 9 pm / B2 FRA

GROUP C MONTBELIARD L’AXONE

3 pm C1 / C3 6 pm C4 / C1 6 pm C3 / C4

6 pm C2 / C4 9 pm C3 / C2 9 pm C1 / C2 Main round 2 GROUPS GROUP D BREST BREST ARENA The first two teams from each group are qualified 3 pm D1 / D3 6 pm D4 / D1 6 pm D3 / D4 for the semi-finals. The third team from each 6 pm D2 / D4 9 pm D3 / D2 9 pm D1 / D2 group plays a match for 5th place.

Final phase

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Sunday 06 DEC 07 DEC 08 DEC 09 DEC 10 DEC 11 DEC 12 DEC 14 DEC 16 DEC

GROUP I NANTES PARC DES EXPOSITIONS - HALL XXL PARIS ACCORHOTELS ARENA

PLACE 5 - 6 PLACE 3 - 4 6 pm 3A / 2B 3 pm 2A / 2B 6 pm 3A / 1B 3:45 3A / 3B pm 2 pm 3 I / 3 II 3 pm LSF1 / LSF2*

9 pm 2A / 3B 6 pm 1A / 1B 9 pm 1A / 3B 6 pm 2A / 1B SEMI-FINAL FINAL

9 pm 1A / 2B 6 pm 1 I / 2 II 6 pmWSF1/WSF2*

GROUP II NANCY PALAIS DES SPORTS JEAN WEILLE 9 pm 1 II / 2 I

6 pm 3C / 2D 3 pm 2C / 2D 6 pm 3C / 1D 3:45 3C / 3D pm * LSF : Loser Semi-final / 9 pm 2C / 3D 6 pm 1C / 1D 9 pm 1C / 3D 6 pm 2C / 1D WSF : Winner Semi-final

The calendar is subject to change 9 pm 1C / 2D at the request of the EHF.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 6 25/01/2018 14:10 MAIN ROUND (6 - 12 December): The 12 teams still in the running are divided into two groups of six (one in Nantes with France, if still quali- fied, one in Nancy). The top two teams from each group are qualified for the semi-finals, with the third from each group playing a match for places 5-6. QUALIFICATIONS FINALS (14 - 16 December): and formula Semi-finals, match for third place, final, as well as match for fifth place. These five matches will take place at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris.

PRELIMINARY ROUND

GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D Nantes Nancy Montbéliard Brest Qualifications 1st A 1st B 1st C 1st D 2nd A 2nd B 2nd C 2nd D Beginning in June 2017, qualifications for the EHF EURO 3rd A 3rd B 3rd C 3rd D 2018 will be completed by early June 2018. 15 teams will 4th A 4th B 4th C 4th D join France, automatically qualified as the organising country. • The first qualification phase, involving six teams in two MAIN ROUND groups, took place in June 2017, and enabled the Faroe GROUP I GROUP II Islands and Kosovo to qualify for the second phase. Nantes Nancy • The second qualification phase runs from 27 Sep- 1st A 1st B 1st C 1st D tember 2017 to 3 June 2018: 28 teams in 7 groups of 4 2nd A 2nd B 2nd C 2nd D (all matches live on www.ehftv.com) will compete in the 3rd A 3rd B 3rd C 3rd D form of a Championship (six matches per team, three at home, three away). The first and second from each group

will be qualified for the EHF EURO 2018, as well as the SEMI-FINALS best third place team of the 7 groups. To decide between Paris the third placed teams, only their results against the first 1st I - 2nd II 1st II - 2nd I and second teams in their respective groups will be taken into account.

FINAL Paris The official draw

The official draw for the EHF EURO 2018 will be held It should be noted that the EHF EURO 2018 is a qualifier in early june 2018, after the qualification phase. The 16 for the 2019 World Championship in , while the qualified nations will be divided into four groups each team crowned as the European Champion in Paris will be of four teams, with four series leaders, including France, directly qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. the organising country.

The formula Brest : The EHF EURO 2018 takes place in three phases: Preliminary round Montbéliard : Preliminary round PRELIMINARY ROUND (29 November - 5 December): Nancy : Brest Nancy The 16 teams are divided into four groups of four (one in Paris Preliminary round Nancy French team, one in Nantes, one in Brest, one in + Main round Montbéliard). Montbéliard Nantes : The top three teams from each group are qua- Nantes Preliminary round lified for the main round. + Main round Paris : Final Phase

2 1 ------Route of the French 3 team in case of qualification

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 7 25/01/2018 14:10 EHF EURO RESULTS

YEAR HOST COUNTRY (IES) FINAL 3RD PLACE MATCH WINNERS SCORE FINALIST THIRD SCORE FOURTH

1994 27-23 Germany 24-19

1996 Denmark Denmark 25-23 Norway 30-23 Germany

1998 Norway 24-16 Denmark Hungary 30-24 Austria

2000 Hungary 32-30 Ukraine 21-16 Romania

2002 Denmark Denmark 25-22 Norway France 27-22 Russia

2004 Hungary Norway 27-25 Denmark Hungary 29-25 Russia

2006 Norway 27-24 Russia France 29-25 Germany

2008 Macedonia Norway 34-21 Russia 24-21 Germany

2010 Denmark / Norway 25-20 Sweden Romania 16-15 Denmark Norway 2012 Serbia Montenegro 34-31 Norway Hungary 41-38 Serbia

2014 Croatia / Norway 28-25 Spain Sweden 25-23 Montenegro Hungary 2016 Sweden Norway 30-29 Netherlands France 25-22 Denmark

2018 France

Denmark / 2020 Norway

EHF EURO RANK COUNTRY GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL LAST 1 Norway 7 3 1 11 2016 medal 2 Denmark 3 2 0 5 2004 rankings 3 Hungary 1 0 3 4 2012 4 Montenegro 1 0 0 1 2012 5 Spain 0 2 0 2 2014 6 Russia 0 1 2 3 2008 7 Sweden 0 1 1 2 2014 8 Germany 0 1 0 1 1994 Ukraine 0 1 0 1 2000 Netherlands 0 1 0 1 2016 11 France 0 0 3 3 2016 12 Austria 0 0 1 1 1996 Romania 0 0 1 1 2010 p.08

EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 8 25/01/2018 14:10 EHF EURO HISTORY 1994 to 2016 — 12 editions

1994 Denmark the first winner self 24 to 16 and secures its revenge for the finals of the 1996 Euro and the 1997 World Championship. Three months after the kick-off of the men’s EHF EURO Emblematic Norwegian coach Marit Breivik secures her in , the Women’s EHF European Championship first international success. Hungary, an unhappy 4th in celebrates its first edition, from 17 to 25 September 1994 1994, secures the bronze medal by beating Austria (30- in Germany, with 12 participating nations. Denmark beco- 24), which is again present in the final 4 thanks to the mes the first European champion after its victory in the 68 goals by the competition’s highest goal-scorer, Ausra final over the host country in Berlin, with a score of 27 Fridkiras. Norway’s Trine Haltvik wins the MVP title. to 23, before 4,000 spectators. Norway secures its first For its 3rd attempt, the French team again hits the wall in medal by getting past Hungary in the 3rd place match. the 2nd qualifying round, outpaced by Norway and Spain. 3rd in its group behind Norway and Lithuania, the French team does not get through the 1st qualifying round. FINAL RANKING: 1. Norway 2. Denmark 3. Hungary FINAL RANKING: 1. Denmark 2. Germany 3. Norway

2000 A new deal 1996 Danish double at home This time, the Blues are invited to the party after getting Denmark hosts the 2nd edition of the Women’s EHF EURO, past Slovenia on points in order to qualify. For the first for which it’s the logical favourite. Directed by famous coach time, the EHF EURO leaves northern Europe and heads , the Danes are flawless as they secure their to Romania. This 4th edition is marked by the failure of 2nd European crown, with a 25 to 23 victory over the Norwe- the Danish and Norwegian favourites, that respectively gians. In the 3rd place match, Germany doesn’t manage to finish 6th and 10th in the competition. They’re even out- get past a supercharged Austrian team (30-23), which paced by the French team of , which secures the best result in its history. The MVP award goes he takes to 5th place in his 1st participation. In extra to Danish player . 4th in its group behind time, Hungary gets the better of Ukraine (26-26, 32-30 Germany, and the Ukraine, the French team does e.t.), while Russia un- not get through the 2nd qualifying round. der Yevgeny Trefilov beats the host country to secure the bronze FINAL RANKING: medal (21-16). The MVP 1. Denmark 2. Norway 3. Austria award goes to Hunga- rian player Béta Siti.

1998 Norway gets its revenge FINAL RANKING: There are still 12 teams in the running for the European 1. Hungary 2. Ukraine 3. Russia crown, disputed every 2 years. In the Netherlands, Denmark 5. France maintains its rank until the final, when Norway imposes it-

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 9 25/01/2018 14:10 2002 Denmark gets its prize back 2006 Denmark bogs down

First European Championship organised with 16 teams, In Stockholm, Gro Hammerseng and her team do it again: the 2002 EHF EURO returns to Denmark, six years after Norway imposes itself in the final against Russia (27- the 2nd edition. With a preliminary round, a main round 24) to secure its 3rd crown, equalling the title count of and then the final 4, this competition formula established Denmark, that finishes at an astonishing 11th place in Swe- in 2002 is still in use today. den. France hosts the World Championship the following Denmark and Norway face each other in the final for the year: the mobilisation of the blue-white-red team pays off 3rd time, with the victory going to the Danes (25-22). with a 3rd place finish over Germany (29-25). The French team wins its 1st European medal, with a 27-22 Isabelle Wendling from is included as the best win over Russia. defensive player in the dream team once again led For the 1st time, a French player, Stéphanie Cano, is in- by Gro Hammerseng. Sweden only finishes in 6th place, cluded in the “dream team” as the best rightwinger, while despite successfully organising a women’s Handball the MVP award goes to Denmark’s Karin Mortensen. event of international importance.

FINAL RANKING: FINAL RANKING: 1. Denmark 2. Norway 3. France 1. Norway 2. Russia 3. France

2008 Spain breaks through

Macedonia hosts the largest event ever organised wit- hin its territory since its independence in 1991. In Skopje, Spain reaches the final, after having never finished better than 8th place (in 2004). Norway secures its 4th title with the biggest goal gap in the history of the finals of the women’s EHF EURO: 34 to 21. Marta Mangué, who has since become the icon of the Spanish side, secures her 1st international medal, while Norwegian goalkeeper Kristine Lunde receives the MVP award. Russia again makes it to the final 4, beating Germany for the bronze (24-21). The French team, still feeling the effects of its quarter-fi- 2004 Norway beings its series nal elimination in the OG against this same Russian team, posts its poorest ranking during a Euro: 14th. A few months later, the Norwegians missed their turn at the Olympics, having to watch on TV as the Danes secure their 3rd consecutive Olympic title! FINAL RANKING: Nevertheless, Gro Hammerseng, chosen as MVP, and her 1. Norway 2. Spain 3. Russia partners get the better of Denmark in the final, with a 14. France score of 27 to 25. 10 years after its kick-off, the 2004 EHF EURO marks the start of an incredible series of 4 conse- cutive titles for Norway, that dominates until 2010. Despite the efforts of the best goal-scorer in the com- petition’s history, Bojana Radulovics and her 72 goals, the Hungarians have to be content with beating Russia for the bronze (29-25). The Blues, affected by their 4th place finish at the Athens OG, finish in 11th place, far from the podium finish in 2002.

FINAL RANKING: 1. Norway 2. Denmark 3. Hungary 11. France

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 10 25/01/2018 14:10 2014 Norway gets its prize back

For the 2nd time, two countries host this great conti- nental event, with Croatia and Hungary hosting the 16 qualifying countries. The final of this 11th edition of the EHF EURO is a remake of the 2008 final. Though trailing at half-time (10-12), the Norwegians finally get the upper hand over Spain (28-25). The brilliant Swedish player Isabelle Gullden outpaces the Norwegian stars, Heidi Loke and Nora Mörk, winning both the MVP award as well as the bronze medal against Montenegro, 25 to 23. 2010 The first double organisation Playing against Hungary, the French team keeps its nerve and pulls into 5th place, a valuable ranking in the race for For the 1st time for the women’s EHF EURO, the compe- qualification for the Rio OG. tition is organised by 2 countries… Denmark and Norway combine their efforts to organise an event of interna- tional dimensions, continuing the success of the 2007 FINAL RANKING: World Championship in France. In Herning, the Jyske 1. Norway 2. Spain 3. Sweden Bank Boxen is full to capacity, but the Danes fold under 5. France the pressure from Romania in a very tight 3rd place match (16-15). Shortly thereafter, the 11,000 spectators watch as the Norwegians secure their 5th title, beating the Swedi- sh team of Linnea Torstensson (MVP), 25 to 20. Despite 2016 Norway, obviously winning their 3 matches during the main round, the Blues have to be satisfied with a 5th place win over Montenegro. 10 years after the 2006 edition, Sweden hosts the EHF EURO, but this 12th participation doesn’t go well for the partners of Isabelle Gullden. While the final between FINAL RANKING: Norway and the Netherlands is something new, it keeps 1. Norway 2. Sweden 3. Romania its promises: Scandinavian experience carries the day du- 5. France ring money time for a tight victory: 30-29. Beaten in the semi-finals by the future winner, the Blues repeat the result from 10 years earlier in Stockholm. In Göteborg, they overcome the Danes 25 to 22, securing

rd 2012 Montenegro’s feat their 3 bronze medal in the competition’s history. The most valuable player (MVP) award goes to Nycke Originally the organisers of the 2012 EHF EURO, the Groot from the Netherlands, while Béatrice Edwige is in- Netherlands pass and Serbia ultimately hosts the conti- cluded in the dream team as the best defensive player. nental event. After 4 victories in a row, Norway ends up falling to an incredible Montenegrin team that was out for revenge after its defeat in the finals of the London Olym- FINAL RANKING: pic Games, against this same Norwegian team. 1. Norway 2. Netherlands 3. France Led by serial goal-scorer Katarina Bulatovic, Montene- gro wins the most undecided final in history, after 2 pe- riods of extra time (24-24, 28-28, 34-31 e.t.). Norwegian Anja Edin-Hammerseng is nevertheless selected as MVP. The French team finishes in 9th place, still wounded by its quarter-final elimination from the 2012 OG by the Monte- negrins at the last second. Serbia, the host country, fights its way into extra time before losing to Hungary (33-33, 41-38 e.t.), which se- cures the bronze medal.

FINAL RANKING: 1. Montenegro 2. Norway 3. Hungary 9. France

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 11 25/01/2018 14:10 KEY FIGURES of the Women’s Handball European Championship

0 1 EHF EURO finals between France And only 1 participation for and Russia, despite both teams being Lithuania (1996) and Portugal world champions. (2008).

1 Silver medal during the 1st edition 1 in 1994, Germany’s only medal. goal gap DURING THE FINAL OF THE 2016 EHF EURO IN GOTEBORG, WITH NORWAY BEATING THE NETHERLANDS (30-29). 2 Finals played but lost by Spain. 2 MVP awards (2004 and 2006) for Norway’s Gro Hammerseng. 3 Norwegians Karoline Dyhre Breivang (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2014), Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2014) and Kari Aalvik 3 Grimsbo (2006, 2008, 2010, 2014 and French players, Stéphanie Cano (2004), 2016) have won 5 titles. Isabelle Wendling (2006) and Béa- trice Edwige (2016) selected for an EHF EURO dream team. 4 Nations share the 12 titles: Norway 4 (7), Denmark (3), Hungary and Montenegro (1). Participations only (2010 to 2016) for Montenegro, with one title (2012).

5 Countries have participated in every edition: Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Norway and Russia.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 12 25/01/2018 14:10 7 Titles won by Norway between 2004 1 2 3 and 2010, including 4 consecutive titles. 10 Finals played by Norway.

10 participations IN A ROW FOR THE FRENCH TEAM 11 Medals won by Norway in 12 editions (2000 TO 2018). (7 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze).

16 teams 12 WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE 2018 EHF EURO, VERSUS 12 FROM 1994 TO editions 2000. OF THE EHF EURO SINCE 1994.

59 matches Played by the French team during the 65 EHF EURO, with 34 victories, 24 losses Goals scored – a record – during the final and 1 tie against Germany in the preli- won by Montenegro against Norway (2012), minary round in 2014. with 2 periods of extra time (34-31).

98 72 Goals scored in 6 editions of the EURO Goals scored during the 2004 Euro (2006 to 2016) by Alexandra Lacra- by Hungarian player Bojana Radulo- bère, France’s best goal-scorer. vics, who still holds the record.

2000 The only edition with neither Norway 2020 nor Denmark on the podium. Like in 2010, Denmark and Norway will be jointly organising the 2020 EHF EURO.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 13 25/01/2018 14:10 BEHIND THE SCENES of European handball

4 emblematic European coaches

OLIVIER KRUMBHOLZ (FRA)

Olivier Krumbholz, charismatic coach of the French team, can be proud to have taken his team to 3 key podiums: MARIT BREIVIK (NOR) two World gold medal and two World silver medals, one Olympic silver medal and three Euro bronze medals. She’s a one-person campaign for the feminization of Handball. Quadruple european champion, world and Olympic champion, Marit Breivik reigned over planet Handball from 1994 to 2009, until France – Norway in Andrézieux-Bouthéon when she coached the Norwegian The first ever selection for the last time, taking the team to the summit 2003 of worldwide Handball.

The French team remains the only double french world champion women’s team. In Zagreb in 2003, it secured the world title despite a staggering scenario. Behind by 7 goals with only 7 mi- nutes to play, Leïla Lejeune from the Blues tied it up ULRIK WILBEK (DAN) from a distance of 7 m, taking this final into extra time. It had previously been her Danish colleague, Ulrik Wilbek, Deprived of the world’s best player, Anita who in only a few years generated an impressive list of tit- Görbicz, sent off in the 60th minute, Hungary loses in les with the Danes: European champion 1994 and 1996, extra time - 32-29 - against a magnificent French team Olympic champion 1996 and world champion 1997. that notably included Valérie Nicolas, Stéphanie Cano, This Danish coach has the particular distinction of having Sandrine Mariot-Delerce, Nodjialem Myaro, Véronique also won 2 European crowns with the men’s team from Pecqueux-Rolland, Isabelle Wendling and Raphaëlle Tervel his country (2008 and 2012). who then start dancing in front of 5.2 million spectators watching on France 3. In 2003 it was the first title for the French women’s team. In 2017, the french players are once again on the highest step of the podium, winning their second medal of the world.

EVGUENY TREFILOV (RUS) 2007 With no European titles under its belt, one might think that Russia is deliberately overlooking this competition In 2007, the French U17 team (90-91 generation) wins that’s out of step with its larger-than-life emblematic the 1st continental title for the women’s section during coach, Evgueny Trefilov. World champion in 2001, 2005, the Euro in Slovakia. Notably with Estelle Nze-Minko and 2007 and 2009, he was pushed aside after the 2012 OG. Gnonsiane Niombla, best left-back of the tournament, the Called on by Russia once again, he led the team to Olym- young girls coached by Pierre Mangin impose themsel- pic gold in Rio, at the expense of the French team. ves in the final with a solid win over Spain, 30-20.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 14 25/01/2018 14:10 2017

Continuing the momentum provided by the results of the young men, the France U19 team distinguishes itself in Strong women the summer of 2017, with the 1st continental title in this The French team crowned as World champions in 2003 category. Beating Hungary 31-26 in the semi-finals and with its players full of character went on to remarkable then Russia in the final, Eric Baradat’s team secures the career paths, not only in Handball. 3rd women’s title in this domain in Slovenia. Janella While the sport’s feminization has clearly accelerated Blonbou and Charlotte Kieffer are included in the compe- since the 2003 title and then the organisation of the tition’s dream team. 2007 World Championship through to the silver medal at the Rio OG, the FFHandball is the only Olympic fe- deration with a majority of women in its management Two out of three times, the European cham- (51% women on the board of directors). This strong im- pion wins Olympic gold petus had been the wish of FFhandball chairman Joël Delplanque. Since the 1st Euro in 1994, the Olympic Games have been held six times. • Nodjialem Myaro (1976), Chairwoman of the Women’s Handball League Two out of three times, the European champion wins gold at • Sylvie Pascal-Lagarrigue (1960), ex-international, the Olympic Games. Chairwoman of the EHF EURO 2018 Organising Committee. • Valérie Nicolas (1975), better goalkeeper and best • Triple winner Denmark, (1996, 2000 and 2004) had player in the world 2003, has made her way as the re- won the continental title 2 years before the Olympic ga- cognised consultant for broadcasters. She’s now also the mes were held, in 1994 and 2002. trainer for the French Women’s Beach Handball team, that finished at an excellent 7th place during its first • Since 1998, the Euro has been organised in December, participation in the Euro (2017). i.e. systematically after the OG in the Olympic year: • In Besançon, Raphaëlle Tervel (1979), with the help of Norway, European champion that year, then finished 3rd at Sandrine Mariot-Delerce (1975), is the only female trainer the 2000 OG, with Denmark securing its 3rd consecutive in the LFH. Olympic title. • Myriame Saïd-Mohamed (1977), is a coach in Franche-Comté and also serves as the assistant of • Norway won Olympic gold twice in succession at the Laurent Puigségur for the France U17 team. Beijing (2008) and London (2012) Games, after having • Véronique Pecqueux-Rolland (1972), best goal-scorer won the European title in 2006 and 2010. in history with 898 goals, has become a woman with lots of power… in the economy: she runs a large shopping mall • This same Norway, European champion in 2014, was near Toulouse. nevertheless beaten in the semifinals of the 2016 Rio OG • Captain of the French team from 2001 to 2008, by Russia, that had come in 7th during the 2014 Euro Stéphanie Cano (1974) is now a physiotherapist with her organised in Croatia and Hungary. An Olympic champion office in Pessac. absent from the previous Euro podium is the exception • As for Isabelle Wendling (1971), the most often capped that proves the rule. of the Blues with 338 selections, she’s in charge of stu- dies in the sports department for the Grand-Est region of France. EUROPEAN CHAMPION 1994, 2002, 2006, 2010 A french coach abroad

= Frédéric Bougeant is the only French coach working OLYMPIC CHAMPION for a professional women’s handball club abroad (Rus- 1996 , 2004, 2008, 2012 sia). The current coach of Siraba Dembélé, captain of the French Team, he coaches at Rostov Don in Russia.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 15 25/01/2018 14:10 FRANCE women’s national team

2003 An extraordinary feat

Valérie Nicolas, Nodjialem Myaro, Stéphanie Cano, Leïla Lejeune, Sandrine Mariot-Delerce, Véronique Pecqueux-Rolland… became players of international dimension. In 2003, they provided French Handball with yet another title. Behind by 7 goals with 7 minutes in re- gular time, the French overcame the Hungarians in the Since 2003 and the world champion title won by the final of the World championship. It was a far-reaching French women’s team, Handball is the only collective and extraordinary feat! Since then, the Blues have won sport that has led to worldwide titles for both men and 2 silver medals at the World championships, in 2009 and women. In Rio, both teams also made it onto the Olym- 2011. After 4 unsuccessful attempts, the French women’s pic podium (silver medal). It was a great first in French handball team made it to the finals of the Rio Olympic sports. Games, finishing with the silver medal.

Often sullied, the famous “values” are nevertheless per- fectly embodied by this French women’s team. In the 2016 A silver first field during the last Olympic Games, the French Handball notably players demonstrated, with strength and talent, For this first Olympic medal in its history, the French wo- their ability to resist, to push themselves, to sacrifice men’s team performed exceptionally in Rio. This medal themselves, and to play with heart while going for glory. rounded off an incredible era, after the amazing come- The group is solid around its captain Siraba Dembélé. back against Spain in the quarter finals (27/26), then The team lives in harmony with a smart mix of expe- a hard-fought victory against the Netherlands in the rienced players who never need to use their authority in semi-finals (24/23). The Blues ultimately lost to Russia order to bring the younger players onto the same wave- (19/22), the only team to have handed them a defeat du- length. Dedication and respect are characteristic of this ring the pool phase of this competition. team that works handin-hand with its staff. In addition to the silver medal, the French women distin- guished themselves individually in Rio. Both of the French team’s backs, (left) and Alexandra Lacrabère (right) were included in the 2016 OG THE BLUES IN THREE DATES dream team.

In the dynamics of the victory of France men’s handball 1999 The birth of a great team team in world championship organised in France, the women’s handball team have finished the year in the best way by reissues the same performance. French women handball players first came into the lime- In a final full of suspense, French players took over the light in 1999. Against all expectations, they reached the fi- Norwegians (23/21) to conquer their second title. nals of the World championship against Norway, before losing in extra time. In December, more than 11 million people in France were glued to their television sets in order to watch these girls full of ambition.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 16 25/01/2018 14:10 THE BLUES IN 5 NUMBERS TRACK RECORD OF THE FRENCH TEAM

OLYMPIC GAMES 3 times bronze medal winners at the • 5 consecutive participations since 2000 EHF EURO 2016 (Rio) 1 Olympic vice-champion

26,6 is the average age on the French WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP women’s handball team • 11 consecutive participations since 1990 1999 - 2009 - 2011 3 World vice-champion 12 players on the French team are 2003 (Croatia) - 2017 (Germany) involved in the French championship 1 World champion

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2009 Allison Pineau selected as the • 9 consecutive participations since 2000 world’s best player of the year (IHF) 2002 (Denmark) - 2006 (Sweden) - 2016 (Sweden) 3 Bronze medals

2010 Olivier Krumbholz selected as the coach of the year (IHF)

2017-2018 SEASON SCHEDULE

September-October 2017: XXL TRACK RECORD 29th: France - Brazil in Brest 1st: France - Brazil in Tremblay-en-France The Blues have won medals in all competitions. November 2017 : Starting in 1999 with a World silver medal, the list of From the 22nd to the 30th: French team training achievements has grown ever longer and now includes 9 24th and 26th: Razel-Bec tournament medals (EURO, Worldwide, JO)… More to come! 29th: France/Angola in Metz

THE MARK OF OLIVIER KRUMBHOLZ December 2017 : 1st to the 17th: World championship in Germany This team is in his skin. Appointed in 1998, Olivier Kru- mbholz is the incarnation of the success of Women’s Handball. Passionate and hard-working, this native of has devoted all of his skills to one ambition: brin- ging the French team up to the rank of a major nation. After a break of 30 months (June 2013 to January 2016), he was called back to the helm of the Blues and, in barely 6 months, he brought confidence back to the team that performed brilliantly at the Olympic Games, then won the March 2018 : bronze medal at the 2016 Euro in Sweden and the gold From the 19th to the 25th: training and match medal at the world championship. (France/Brazil : 22 Bayonne, 25 Pau)

July 2018 : Training and match of french team

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 17 25/01/2018 14:10 HANDBALL IN FRANCE

HANDBALL FIGURES IN FRANCE 2 representatives in the EHF Champions League (2017-2018) : , - 2,400 handball clubs in France 3 representatives in the EHF Cup (2017-2018): - 549,000 members (2016-2017 season). Cercle Dijon Bourgogne, Entente sportive Bisontine - 37% women members in France (2016-2017 season): Féminine, Issy Paris Hand +33.6% of members between 2007 and 2015 (*CDES). - 1st sport for participants in the 15-24 age bracket in France (Source: KantarSport March 2017) - 51% : share of women in the FFHandball Board of APPEAL OF THE FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP directors in 2017 2015 World championship: 30 LFH players represented, including 12 FRA, 1 GER, 2 MCD, 1 NED, 2 NOR, 1 POL, 2 SRB, 6 SP (from 9 LFH INTERNATIONAL HANDBALL EVENTS clubs) ORGANISED IN FRANCE EHF EURO 2016 : 23 LFH players represented, including 7 FRA, 3 NED, 3 Men : SP, 3 SRB, 2 NOR (from 10 LFH clubs) - World championships 1970, 2001, 2017 2016 OG : 19 LFH players represented, including 6 FRA, 3 SP, 4 Women : NED, 1 SWE, 1 MCD, 1 BRA, 1 ROM, 2 NOR (from 7 LFH - World Championship 2007, EHF EURO 2018 clubs)

THE LIGUE FEMININE DE HANDBALL WOMEN’S HANDBALL LEAGUE

2008 : birth of the LFH (one year after the 2007 World championship) 5,415 : record for spectators at one match LFH (Issy Paris vs. Brest on 25/03/2017: Vélodrome national de St-Quentin en Yvelines). 2,635 : average gross salary in € of a LFH player in 2017- 2018 (versus € 2,000 in 2008-2009) 12 : number of clubs in the LFH (2017-2018 season) +54,4% the budgets of the LFH clubs (2009 to 2015) (*CDES)

* CDES : women’s sports 2017 p.18

EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 18 25/01/2018 14:10 THE HOST TERRITORIES

Brest Nancy Paris

Montbéliard Nantes

Brest

BRETON FERVOUR

With the Brest Arena, inaugurated in 2014, the city now has an ultra-modern facility that’s particularly well-suited for handball. The girls from Brest Bretagne Handball, that have made this place their own, can confirm it: building on the tremendous atmosphere of the Brest Arena, their feats increase in number, with recent years having seen their advance in the LFH, a French Cup victory and 1st par- ticipation in the 2017 European Cup! In January 2017, the Arena hosted the President’s Cup of the men’s handball World Championship. It was a phenomenal event, with the Brest Arena full to the rafters on several occasions, which augurs well for the EHF EURO 2018. In December 2018, when hosting the women’s teams for the preliminary round, there will doubtlessly be lots of ex- citement in Brest.

Population : 139,300 people Site name : Brest Aréna Capacity (handball) : 3,520 seats Attendance record (handball) : 4,111 (Brest Bretagne Handball vs. Metz Handball, semi-finals of the 2016 Women’s French cup, 20/04/2016) The region’s professional handball team (LFH): Brest Bretagne Handball EHF EURO 2018 : Preliminary round (6 matches)

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 19 25/01/2018 14:10 Nantes

A SHOW THAT PROMISES TO BE HANDBALLISSIME

It will be in the Hall XXL, a venue like no other, where the French men’s team shined in January 2017 during the World Championship, that the “Handballissime” show will be held during several preliminary phases and the main phase of the EHF EURO 2018. The bluewhite-red exci- tement and the strong rapport between the excellent public in Nantes and the French teams whenever they play in Nantes will be twice as strong for this European Championship, that will host the Blues if they qualify for the main round. It’s unquestionably an essential city for international handball!

Population : 298,000 people Site name : Parc des expositions – Hall XXL Capacity (handball) : 8,450 seats Attendance record (handball) : 11,019 (HBC Nantes vs PSG Handball, 22/12/2016) The region’s professional handball team (LFH) : Nantes Loire Atlantique Handball (LFH) EHF EURO 2018 : Preliminary round (6 matches) + Main round (9 matches)

Nancy

WAITING FOR THE BLUES WITH PASSION

Located in the region of France, it’s one of the main French university cities, a great place to live and stu- dy. Its cultural and sports offer makes it one of the most dynamic cities in France. It regularly organises large-scale events that cast a spotlight on the quality and originality of its cultural heritage, while also hosting major sports and leisure events (Davis Cup, swimming competition, athletics competition, Tour de France). By hosting the French team during the preliminary round, at the end of 2018 when the city will be in the full throes of its festivi- ties (feast of Saint-Nicolas), the many handball fans in the territory, but also from regions across the border, are sure to be charmed. It’s a great asset!

Population : 104,000 people Site name : Palais des Sports Jean-Weille Capacity (handball) : 4,690 seats Attendance record (handball): 5,500 (France-Norway, EURO 2014 qualifier, 13/04/2013) The region’s professional handball team (LFH): Metz Handball (LFH) EHF EURO 2018 : Preliminary round (6 matches) + Main round (9 matches)

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 20 25/01/2018 14:10 Montbéliard

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS IN THE PAYS DE MONTBELIARD!

The Pays de Montbéliard Agglomeration (72 communi- ties, 142,000 inhabitants), the 3rd largest community in the Burgundy - Franche-Comté region, is thrilled to host the EHF EURO 2018 during the year’s most important event within its territory: the Montbéliard Christmas market. The Pays de Montbéliard Agglomeration (PMA) has a proactive sports policy in order to be, in the eyes of its inhabitants, the ideal place for all of the passion surroun- ding sports of all kinds. Whether at the Bonal Stadium or at the large Axone multisports centre, the people in the Montbéliard region are accustomed to large events. Everyone is impatient to welcome the women’s interna- tional teams for the EHF EURO 2018, a true early Christmas sports present!

Population : 25,600 people Site name : L’Axone Capacity (handball) : 4,470 seats Attendance record (handball): 4,978 (France-Belgium, men’s EHF EURO 2018 qualifier, 17/06/2017) The region’s professional handball team (LFH): Entente Sportive Bisontine Féminine, Cercle Dijon Bourgogne EHF EURO 2018 : Preliminary round (6 matches)

Paris

FINAL WITH A FLOURISH

For the athletes and directors of international handball, the first European Championship organised in France must certainly stop in Paris, the place where all of the world’s most famous athletes compete during the major international competitions held in France. The venue in the capital’s 12th district has been entirely renovated to provide visitors with all of the required comfort and ac- cessibility. For the EHF EURO 2018, spectators and worldwide television viewers will enjoy an historic site for handball and international sports, while the many forei- gn tourists will also be able to benefit from the cultural influence of the city of Paris and its many festivities or- ganised in the Ile de France in the run-up to the year-end celebrations.

Population : 2,200,000 people Site name : AccorHotels Arena Capacity (handball) : 14,060 seats Attendance record (handball): 15,609 (France-Norway, final of the 2017 Men’s World championship, 29/01/2017) The region’s professional handball team (LFH): ISSY Paris Hand EHF EURO 2018 : Final Phase (5 matches)

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 21 25/01/2018 14:10 EHF EURO 2018 Celebrating across France!

While the EHF EURO 2018 will be played in five territories the organisation of the EHF EURO 2018 in France, while (Brest, Nancy, Montbéliard, Nantes, Paris), it fully expects encouraging members – as well as their friends and fami- to invite the entire population of France to take part in this lies – to become participants in the event: great handball celebration. The Organising Committee . by coming out to support the Olivier Krumbholz’s French team and the 15 other national teams, and FFHandball are therefore working hand-in-hand to . by participating in the events organised as part of the encourage the French, members or not, young and not competition, so young, to make this international competition their . or by joining the many volunteers who will be participating. own during official events and while providing them with communication tools for the promotion of this great sports get-together.

Official events

During the Men’s Handball world championship in 2017, more than 800 official events were organised throughout France. This effort was a great success and is being repeated for the EHF EURO 2018, with interested parties being able to submit their project as of now in order to receive the EHF EURO 2018 label. The Handballissime game book Unifying projects With this same objec- Within the FFHandball, the unifying projects that had tive, a game book intro- been such a great success during the 2017 World cham- ducing handball and the pionships will be renewed in schools with the help of the EURO 2018 is available school sports federations: “La tête et le hand” with the UG- for children from 5 to 10 SEL, “Handballons-nous!” with the USEP, “Planète Hand” years of age. with the UNSS. Another development axis intended for a young public: the launch of 4-person handball in order to involve more young people on more courts at the same time, thereby helping as many young people as possible to discover this collective, motivating and exciting sport.

Mascots Rok and Koolette

They’re back! After getting 550,000 people to dance in the venues of the 2017 Men’s World championship, Rok the bear and Koolette the marten are back by public de- mand, in order to promote the EHF EURO 2018 in which they’ll be key participants. “After the World championship, we received many inqui- Communication kits ries from fans and clubs, asking if the mascots were going to stick around in the clubs”, indi- As of the 2017 autumn term, communication kits will be cates Sylvie Pascal-Lagarrigue, Chairwoman of the EHF available in order to help the clubs to promote EURO 2018, to explain the return of the famous mascots.

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 22 25/01/2018 14:10 THE TICKETING

PLATFORM Starting at 65% of the Handball € 5 matches accessible family and is open ! for under € 8 group rate

Presentation of the packages (opening 27/09/2017)

BREST . MONTBÉLIARD . NANCY . NANTES . PARIS A ticketing strategy in two phases MIX-AND-MATCH PACKAGE

The objective of the Organising Committee is to ensure that the doors of the competition venues are open to as many people as possible, by continuing the innova- tive and bold ticketing policy implemented for the 2017 Men’s Handball world championship. With the aim of having all qualified teams compete in suitably packed PARIS venues, the organisers, with their ambitious objective of selling more than 165,000 tickets, have set up a pri- cing policy based on several principles:

- Two marketing phases:

. 27 September-May 2018: package sales *Two semi-finals + 5th-6th place . May-December 2018: single sales Two special offers reserved for package holders will be available as of January 2018: 29 NOV › 16 DEC 2018 Opening match package + Final package BREST . MONTBÉLIARD . NANCY . NANTES . PARIS

TICKETING CALENDAR ADVANTAGE OF THE PACKAGES

SEPTEMBER 2017 Opening of ticket sales (packages)

JANUARY 2018 Opening of the sales of the Opening match package + Final Guaranteed best Special access Up to 20% package seats in each to exclusive discount relative category offers as of to a single ticket MAY 2018 Opening of single ticket sales January 2018

JUNE 2018 Competition official draw HOW TO BUY SEATS? ehf-euro.com - One session = one match (exception 12/12) - One opening match special event on 29/11 (France/B3) General public ticket platform - Set-up of a legal and secure ticket reselling platform [email protected] starting in September 2018 Group ticket platform - Four price categories [email protected] - Low-price seats starting at € 5 - The prices for the final will be from € 25 to € 150 0 892 72 82 00 Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM:�0.50/min (tax incl.)

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EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 23 25/01/2018 14:10 #ehfeuro2018 Media contact #Handballissime Nadège Coulet [email protected] www.ehf-euro.com +33 (6) 09 11 31 37

Official Sponsors

EHF Partners

National Suppliers

EHF_EURO_DP_v2_20180110_EN.indd 24 25/01/2018 14:10