French take handball title

BEIJING // France has won the last gold medal of the Beijing Games, beating Iceland 28-23 in men's team handball to deny the small Nordic country its first gold in an Olympic event. Nikola Karabatic scored eight goals for the French, who led 15-10 after the first half and never let Iceland back into the match. Goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer made nine saves in the first half to help France build their lead. As the clock ticked down and France maintained their advantage, Omeyer waved his hands toward his country's large cheering section at the other end of the court, urging the fans on. Iceland settled for the silver medal, still its best showing in any event since 1956. Iceland has won four medals at Olympics over the years, two silver and two bronze. Spain beat Croatia 35-29 in the bronze medal match.

*AP