A sixth defeat in seven matches. Even if it led three times this Tuesday against the reigning vice-world champion, the French team completed its World Cup A by losing to Germany (3-6) on the last day of the group stage. Winners only once, against Poland (4-2), the Blues finished in 7th and penultimate place in Group B, avoiding relegation to the second division at the last minute. Far from the first four places and a qualification for the quarter-finals which they have not reached since 2014.
Even if the main objective, maintenance, was accomplished and France produced good play in several sequences, the balance sheet is necessarily insufficient. “Our competition is necessarily mixed,” admits coach Philippe Bozon. In the game, we achieved a lot of good things, we progressed in the defensive zone, but we remained frustrated in certain areas where we were still deficient. » “We lack offensive efficiency and we must improve on discipline, because we conceded too many penalties,” analyzes Sacha Treille, the captain of the Blues. In the end, this competition remains very frustrating, because we are not there on the number of points obtained. We have identified the points of play where we must improve. We have to get through this. »
In three months, the French team will try to win their ticket for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy) during an Olympic Qualifying Tournament (TQO) which will take place in Latvia from August 29 to September 1 . It will undoubtedly be reinforced by a good number of players absent during this World Cup such as Dylan Fabre, Guillaume Leclerc (injured), Pierrick Dubé, Justin Adamo (playoffs) and Alexandre Teixier, author of a good season in the NHL (National Hockey League North). -American) with the Columbus Blue Jackets who could not be released due to an insurance problem. Before thinking about this TQO, Philippe Bozon’s men will take two or three weeks of vacation before returning to their respective clubs and then a gathering planned for the beginning of August. To obtain its precious sesame for the Olympic Games, a first since 2002 in Salt Lake City, France will have to finish at the top of its group which includes Ukraine, Slovenia (winner of the World Cup B), and the favorite, Latvia, who will also have the advantage of playing at home.
“We learned a lot during this World Cup, we will be ready for the TQO even if we know it will be very hard,” confides Sacha Treille. We will meet quality opponents. We are capable of playing on equal terms with Latvia. We can’t control the absentees, but if we can benefit from the valuable help of all the talented young people, it will necessarily be a plus. » “The TQO was in our conversations during this World Cup, we worked for this meeting,” adds Philippe Bozon. The players must negotiate the short summer as best they can to prepare. I’m confident. Everyone is mobilized. »
