It’s a painful return to earth. France, long buoyed by a good run for its first participation in the Futsal World Cup, lost on Sunday, crushed by Ukraine (7-1) during the small final of the competition, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
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The Blues, tenth in the International Federation’s world ranking, therefore finished at the foot of the podium, outclassed by Ukraine, although behind them (twelfth).
After conceding a first goal by Igor Cherniavskyi (11e), the Blues tried to come back in the second half by being more creative. The match then got carried away, the Ukrainians making the break through Mykhaïlo Zvarych (22e2-0) after a perfect cross from his teammate Rostyslav Semenchenko. In the process, Ayoub Saadaoui (23e2-1) responded to revive the Blues, but nothing worked.
The French exceeded expectations
More experienced, Ukraine quickly increased the lead thanks to a double from Yevhenii Zhuk (27e28e) then the French brought out their goalkeeper to bring in an outfield player and try to get back on track. But the Ukrainians further accelerated their march towards the bronze medal with a hat-trick from Danyil Abakshyn (30e30e33e).
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For their first participation, the French exceeded expectations by only being stopped in the semi-finals, Thursday, by Argentina (3-2), one of the best nations in this sport, reigning world vice-champion and 2016 world champion. The Albiceleste will play the final on Sunday at the end of the day against Brazil.
