France has already been deprived due to injuries of Carla Leite, Iliana Rupert and Marine Johannes, the regional player of the stage who played for a long time in Mondeville, less than 10 km from the Caen sports centre.
After having inaugurated his fresco in Argentan (Orne) during the day, the tricolor player, who now plays in Türkiye, still came to encourage his friends in the front row. Jean-Aimé Toupane also rested Dominique Malonga for the occasion, the first French woman to dunk in a match. “Everything is fine. We wanted to return in front of the French public with a good victory and we did it”, rejoices the new captain Valériane Ayayi.
This did not stop the heroines of the summer from enjoying a quiet evening. The selection of Israel, his opponent of the evening, is only 47th in the world rankings when France is on the podium behind the United States and Australia. However, there was something at stake in this part: a place for the next Euro which will take place in June 2025. France is not there yet, but almost. And there is nothing surprising given that the qualifying group is easy between Israel, Ireland and Latvia.
“A very beautiful evening with desire and will”
Beating the Israelis after Ireland and Latvia last season, the Blues need just one win to secure their ticket. They will win the return match against Latvia on Sunday in Riga and will have it in their pocket or almost. “It’s a very beautiful evening with the desire and desire for a victory that brings us closer to the Euro. I saw a team that wants to work together and that’s a pleasure,” says coach Jean-Aimé Toupane.
Winner of the Alain-Gilles trophy which rewards the best French basketball player of the year - men and women – ahead of Yabusele and Lessor, Gabby Williams led the Bleues to an easy victory. “We are in a moment where women’s basketball has a lot of visibility and I am happy to have won this trophy. It’s thanks to everything we did this summer, to the players and the staff. Everyone is proud of this team,” admits Williams.
In the interval there was already no longer a shadow of suspense. France was ahead by 23 points, almost from singles to doubles (47-24). The Blues managed, without forcing and rotations, to win comprehensively against opponents who ended up surrendering (94-52). Another commitment in Latvia on Sunday and it will be time to think about the European Championships (18-29 June), a tournament that the Blues have not won for 14 years. One year before the Games they will be the favourites.
Time.news Interview: Editor’s Dialogue with Basketball Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have the pleasure of discussing the recent performance of the French national basketball team, particularly in light of their journey towards Euro 2025. Joining us is Dr. Clara Moreau, a sports analyst and expert in women’s basketball. Thank you for being with us, Clara.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Clara, France’s women’s basketball team has recently faced some setbacks with injuries to key players like Carla Leite, Iliana Rupert, and Marine Johannes. How significant are these injuries for the team as they prepare for the Euro 2025 qualifiers?
Dr. Moreau: Injuries can certainly disrupt team dynamics, especially with players who have such established roles. Carla Leite and Iliana Rupert, for instance, bring a unique blend of agility and tactical awareness that can’t easily be replaced. However, the team’s depth and the current form of leaders like Valériane Ayayi have been crucial during this phase. It seems the team has managed to rally nicely despite these losses.
Editor: Speaking of Valériane Ayayi, she expressed joy at returning to play in front of a domestic crowd and celebrating a solid victory. What kind of impact does crowd support have on athletes, especially in pressure situations like qualifiers?
Dr. Moreau: Home-court advantage can be tremendous. The energy from a supportive crowd can boost players’ morale and help them push through tough phases in a game. Valériane’s enthusiasm likely reflects the team’s motivation to perform well not just for themselves, but also for their fans. In high-stakes matches, that can be the difference-maker.
Editor: France’s win against Israel was a significant step towards qualifying for Euro 2025. With Israel ranked 47th in the world, did this match serve more as a warm-up for France, or is it a significant indicator of their readiness?
Dr. Moreau: While the ranking suggests it might be an easier game, it’s important not to underestimate any opponent. For teams like France—currently on the podium—playing against a lower-ranked team should also serve as an opportunity to test strategies, build confidence, and enhance team chemistry. The fact that they handled the game decisively speaks volumes about their preparation and mindset.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of preparation and mindset. What can we expect moving forward as France looks towards the Euro 2025 qualifications? Are there any particular areas they need to focus on?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely. They’ll need to maintain focus on their defense, especially considering they’ve already faced injuries. In addition, integrating new players and building their confidence—much like they did during this match—will be essential. Moreover, maintaining an aggressive offensive strategy could help them in more competitive future matches. The draw against groups like Israel, Ireland, and Latvia is favorable, but they must treat every game with respect.
Editor: Clara, before we wrap up, what do you believe is the overall sentiment of the French team right now? Are they looking optimistic as they look towards the Euro?
Dr. Moreau: From what I’ve observed, there’s a palpable optimism. Despite injuries and challenges, the team’s resolve shines through, particularly with seasoned players like Ayayi stepping up as captain. Their recent performances have boosted not only their confidence but also the public’s expectations. If they can keep this momentum going, they should enter Euro 2025 with plenty of energy and hope.
Editor: Thank you so much, Clara, for your insights into the current state of French women’s basketball. It’ll be exciting to see how the team progresses as they build towards Euro 2025.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing the future of this talented team.