Britain handball

Bertrand Gille of France, one of the world’s best players, goes airborne during the men’s handball match between France and Great Britain at the Copper Box. (Jeff Gross / Getty Images)

July 29, 2012 3:36 PM PT

The worst team in the Olympics may be the British team handball group, and they had to play the world and defending Olympic champions. Britain lost its match with France 44-15. Most of the Britain’s players took up the sport less than five years ago, but because the U.K. is the host country they get an invitation to the tournament.

Great Britain’s Gawain Vincent, left,vies with Daniel Narcisse of France. (Kerim Okten / EPA)

The referee gives a red card to Steven Larsson of Great Britain. (Matthias Schrader / Associated Press)

Great Britain’s coach Dragan Djukic reacts during the preliminary match against France. On Tuesday, the inexperienced British team will play Sweden. (Matthias Schrader / Associated Press)