But how far will Laval residents go? By eliminating Thailand (5-2, 6e world nation) in the round of 16, Friday September 27, the French team of Laval residents Abdessamad Mohammed, Nelson Lutin, Ouassini Guirio and Louis Marquet qualified for the first time in its history in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Uzbekistan. The four men of Étoile Lavalloise will face Paraguay tomorrow (2:30 p.m.) in Bukhara, well known to the French.
“We were disappointed to go in June 2023 to play in Paraguay in preparation for the World Cup, smiled Raphaël Reynaud, the French coach. We said to ourselves that, perhaps, one day, we would meet him, especially in a knockout match since he has systematically been in the quarterfinals for years. We lose twice (3-1 et 5-3)it’s a very big team. »
“Go as far as possible”
Paraguay (11e) eliminated Afghanistan (3-1 ap) during the previous round, Wednesday, and therefore has two more days of rest than the Blues. Data that could make the difference in the physical aspect. However, Raphaël Reynaud is not worried about it any more: “I’ve always said we’re here to close the gym and return the keys to the owner when we leave. Nothing has changed, we want to go as far as possible and as far as our game project will allow us. »
In the event of a victory, the Blues will face either Kazakhstan or Argentina on Thursday (5 p.m.) in Tashkent, in the semi-final.
Soufiane El Mesrar. The 33-year-old from Laval also qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup after Morocco’s victory against Iran (3-4). The Moroccans challenge Brazil this Sunday (2:30 p.m.) in Bukhara.
