One goal will have been enough. A goal to raise 25,000 spectators at the Olympic complex in Oran (Algeria), and offer France a new title. This Monday, July 4, the France under-18 team won the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games, winning by the narrowest of margins against Italy (1-0). In the 68th minute, it was the young Bordeaux Lenny Pirringuel who made the Bleuets happy. Well placed, he pushed the ball into the back of the net into an empty goal, after a strike was repelled by the opposing goalkeeper.
This success, France had been waiting for it since 1967. 55 years of waiting, when France won six medals in football, without ever reaching gold. It is also the first time in its history that it has won the final. In 1967, France shared their gold medal with Italy after a goalless draw.
Before their final victory, Les Bleuets won 2-0 against Turkey to qualify. In the group stage, they had notably defeated Algeria, who were playing at home, in front of a full stadium (3-2).
Before the success of the U18s in Oran, the France under-17 team became European champions in early June. The under-20s won the Maurice-Revello tournament, which brings together 12 international teams, for the first time since 2015. Among women, the under-19s can also hope to become European champions. They face Norway in the semi-finals on July 6.