The French basketball women’s team failed to get on the Eurobasket podium for the first time since 2007 after its defeat on Sunday against Italy (69-54) in the match for third place.
In Piraeus (Greece), the Bleues, reigning Olympic vice-championes, were carried out during practically the entire meeting against the surprise team of the tournament, which won its first medal in international competition in 30 years (bronze at Euro 1995).
After a perfect first round (three victories in three matches) and a quarter-final easily won against Lithuania (83-61), the Habs fell from top to Spain on Friday in the semi-finals (65-64).
They failed to bounce back on Sunday and do not receive the podium for the first time since 2007, after a title, five silver medals and two bronze in the last eight editions.
In two Euro editions at the head of the Bleues, coach Jean-Aimé Toupane, in office since October 2021, has not reached the final.
Less than a year after the silver medal obtained at the Paris Olympic Games, the French team deplored many absences and only six Olympic vice-championes (out of 12) played this euro.
The two best scorers of the team at the Olympic Games, Gabby Williams and Marine Johannès, as well as the leader Carla Leite and the number one of the last Draft WNBA Dominique Malonga, all chose to favor their season in the North American League while the Marine Fondhoux gaming leader injured the knee in preparation.
The next international competition will be the 2026 World Cup, from September 4 to 13, in Germany.
(Written by Vincent Daheron, edited by Benjamin Mallet)
