For its first Futsal World Cup in its history, the French team failed at the gates of the final after its defeat against Argentina (3-2) this Thursday evening. The Blues will face Ukraine on Sunday for 3rd place in the World Cup.
France 2 : 3
Argentina Live
For its first participation in a Futsal World Cup, the French team showed that it would be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. In the semi-final, the Blues faced Argentina, 2016 world champion and current vice-champion, on Thursday. In a match that began without an observation round, the Albiceleste was the first to open the scoring. After a poorly controlled exit from Lokoka, Arrieta converts the penalty to launch his team (0-1, 3rd). Present in the duels, Raphaël Reynaud's players rebel in the process and Nicolas Menendez equalizes on a service from Mamadou Touré. Back to the goal, the pivot puts himself on his left foot and crosses his shot to deceive Sarmiento (1-1, 6th). The match continues and the duels are fierce. Facing Argentinians who discuss the vast majority refereeing decisions, the Blues remain focused but Borruto does a huge job on the left side before crossing to the line for Claudino who only has to push the ball into the empty net (1-2, 8th). Just before the break, Touré sends a powerful corner and everyone goes through except Abdessamad Mohammed who takes it with his left foot. His shot hits the bar and seems to cross the line but the goal is not awarded, after a review by the VAR.
After the break, Kevin Ramirez and his teammates came back with better intentions and were rewarded five minutes later. At the post, Nicolas Menendez fired a left-footed shot. Sarmiento committed a handball and the ball came back to Mamadou Touré who followed up well and beat the Albiceleste goalkeeper (2-2, 25th). The fouls continued and the match became increasingly tense. Yellow cards flew from the Argentinian side who smelled elimination. Five fouls each and Ouassini Guirio held Bolo Alemany by the shirt in the 37th minute of play, offering a free kick without a wall to ten meters. The coach of the Blues tries a poker move by bringing on the second goalkeeper, Thibaut Garros. Arrieta does not tremble and sends Argentina to the World Cup final despite the power play attempt in the last moments. Despite this elimination at the gates of the final, France will play Sunday at 2:30 p.m., the match for third place.
Throughout the match, the Argentinians showed a vice mixed à a grinta that the Blues were unable to respond to. A long-term mental work that paid off on this last foul by Guirio, synonymous with a free kick without a wall ten meters away and a second goal by Arrieta.
Expected, the French team responded present this Thursday afternoon against Argentina, one of the best Futsal nations in the world. Present in the commitment, the duels, the attitude on the court, the Blues can be proud of their journey for… a first participation in a World Cup.
Raphaël Reynaud on the microphone of the L'Equipe channel: “The first feeling is disappointment. I think we were better than Argentina. There is pride, pride in the course, pride in what my players have done. I congratulate my players and Argentina. You have to accept it, it's like that. When you play your first World Cup, you may not have the same chances as everyone else. ÇIt's going to be tough but we're going to get back up and go for that third place".
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000World champion in 2016, runner-up in 2021, Argentina will play its third consecutive world final in Futsal. A historic performance for the Albiceleste who will try to secure a second title.
After this cruel defeat, all is not lost for the French! This Sunday, the Blues will face Ukraine in the very final and will try to impose themselves to finish the first World Cup in their history on the podium.
While it had been 2-2 since the 25th minute of play, the two nations made a series of mistakes before Guirio pulled Bolo Alemany's jersey, offering a free kick without a wall to ten meters. Arrieta did not tremble to deceive Thibaut Garros and send the Albiceleste to the World Cup final for the third consecutive edition.
What a disappointment for the French men's Futsal team, which lost 3-2 after a stunning and stimulating match against Argentina, which qualified for the World Cup final.
New French opportunity and Sarmiento saves the Albiceleste.
What inspiration from Mamadou Tourá. The number 3 finds a pass in the area for Steve Bendali who takes it with his left foot but it flies away. There is one minute left to play.
The Blues play the shot badly and an Argentinian hits it directly. Finally, the ball hits the right post of the French team.
Mamadou Touré comes on and the Blues play at five in the game with an extra player but without a goalkeeper.
Arrieta does not tremble and pierces Thibaut Garros on his right. Argentina takes the lead at 3'27″ of the end of the match.
Along the touchline, Guirio holds Bolo Alemany by the jersey and Ryan Shepheard whistles a sixth French foul, synonymous with a free kick without a wall ten meters away. Note the entry into play of Thibaut Garros.
The buzzer to signal the fifth Argentine foul. After a long French sequence, Guirio controls before being tackled with both feet off the ground by Bolo Alemany who receives a yellow card in the process.
High recovery by the Blues and Abdessamad Mohammed strikes. Corner for the French.
Fifth French foul while the Argentinians claim a double foul to have a penalty ten meters away. In the process, the referee gives a yellow card to Borruto and the Argentinian coach.
After the Argentinians lost the ball on a corner, the Blues quickly restarted and Mouhoudine served Belhaj who controlled before shooting. Sarmiento repels the danger.
What a save by Francis Lokoka on this volley from Arrieta after a corner.
On a touchline, the Argentinians feint and Arrieta strikes but Francis Lokoka deflects into touch.
The Argentinians simulate on numerous contacts and are called to order by the referee, Ryan Shepheard. There are seven minutes left in dispute.
On a dangerous free kick obtained by Menendez, Kevin Ramirez tries his luck but it is not on target.
Nelson Lutin takes his corridor and strikes. The ball comes back to the opposite side for Saadaoui who puts a top ball back in the axis. Nicolas Menendez throws himself but he is too short to take the ball.
Long pass from Lutin to Nicolas Menendez who uses his physicality to keep the ball.
After losing the ball, the Blues quickly play the counterattack and Guirio finds Mouhoudine. Finally, Sarmiento anticipates and clears the ball into touch.
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