For a first attempt, it’s a masterstroke. The French futsal team, which is participating in its first World Cup, qualified for the semifinals on Monday, thanks to its victory (2-1) against Paraguay.
The match was within reach of the blues, since the South Americans (13are) are behind the French (10are) in the ranking of the International Football Federation (FIFA). “Paraguay is a great team. We played them last summer and lost twice, clearly. They have a lot of experience. “We are going to prepare very seriously.”announced Les Bleus coach Raphaël Reynaud. The Blues’ seriousness paid off.
The score initially remained goalless during a close first half, despite six shots on goal by the Blues, compared to three by their opponents. The Frenchman Mamadou Touré was close to opening the scoring in an elegant action in which he once again showed off his elegant skills to get rid of his rivals.
Abdessamad Mohammed offers the blues
The French team found fault shortly after the restart thanks to Ouassini Guirio, after a magnificent movement initiated by Abdessamad Mohammed (pass jammed between two players for Souheil Mouhoudine, who then followed an oriented control with a wonderful pass). .
Francis Lokoka, little used in the first half, then made a parade on the ground with a cross shot from Adolfo Salas, repelled a shot from Hugo Martínez on his stick and prevented Arnaldo Báez from pushing the ball into the back of the goal, after Excellent turn found by Francisco Martínez. The latter ends up being right about the exploits of the French goalkeeper. match at this moment weak for the blues, thanks to an excellent service from Adolfo Salas, at the beginning of the action and decisive passer (27my).
Finally it was Abdessamad Mohammed, top scorer of the Tricolores, who gave the victory to the blues: less than six minutes before the end of the match (34my), the Frenchman, in the duel with Jorge Espinoza, manages to turn around and launches a powerful shot that deceives the Paraguayan goalkeeper.
On Thursday at 5 p.m., France will face the winner of the match between Argentina and Kazakhstan in the semifinals, which will be played late in the afternoon. Therefore, the ‘bleus’ continue their journey in this World Cup, despite accusations of unsportsmanlike behavior during the group stage. They obtained second place in their group after being defeated by the Iranians (1-4) on Sunday, September 22. Several teams, including Thailand and Paraguay, then complained to FIFA, suggesting that the ‘bleus’ had not forced their talent to be transferred to the more affordable part of the table.
