New adversity, similar scenario. France had no trouble overcoming the Netherlands (28-35) for its second match of the main round of the 2025 World Cup on Thursday, which propelled it to the quarter-finals. At the end of a constant domination against the Dutch who set a rhythm that was often difficult to read and understand, especially for Nedim Remili, who quickly came to the brink of exclusion.
It took a few minutes in both the first and second periods to see France really dominate their subject. As against Qatar, a match they narrowly won (38-37), the Netherlands came with the intention of adding speed to the game, but this time in a more irregular manner. Irregularity also in the construction, sometimes collective, but often based on an exploit by Luc Steins.
Nedim Remili during France – Netherlands at the 2025 World Cup
Credit: Getty Images
Me in patron
The latter's exit in the last minutes destabilized not only his family, but also the French. A more confusing end to the match with too many ball losses for our Blues, without consequences against a much weakened attack without its best element.
-In defense, the difficulty has always been tracking movements behind the back, which has been costly on several occasions. Nedim Remili almost paid the price with a yellow card and two two minutes, including one for a missed change. Not enough to destabilize the center-half, man of the match with a 100% shooting (4/4).
It is this French back base which, as since the start of the tournament, showed itself the most, notably with a very fit Dika Mem. The best team at 9m in this World Cup confirms its power by far and does not risk losing quality in this area with the return to form of Élohim Prandi over the course of the matches.
Macedonia before the quarterfinals
In addition to the more difficult end of the match, Rémi Desbonnet's average first period will not help the confidence of the Montpellier goalkeeper who is having difficulty entering his competition. His understudy in club and selection, Charles Bolzinger delivered a more than adequate second act.
Enough to start against North Macedonia? Response in 48 hours in a perfect meeting to rotate, undoubtedly even more than Guillaume Gilles is used to. Before flying to the quarter-finals and Zagreb.
