Paris 2024 Olympic Games, water polo: “Performing in front of our audience”, the challenge of Les Bleues against the United States

2024-08-02 03:39:07

After the defeat against Spain (16-5), last Saturday, then the feat against Italy (9-8) on Monday, what the French women’s water football team has in store for us against that of the United States -United, the world champion of the government. and double Olympic champion? In an atmosphere that promises to be electrifying once again, we can’t wait to see the progress of Louise Guillet’s partners against the best on the water polo world.

Last May, during the test event at the Aquatic Center Saint-Denis which they return to this Friday, the Blues undoubtedly achieved their best performance of the year against the ogres of the USA, despite the defeat (6-12 ). They can count on their goalkeeper of… American origin, Mia Rycraw, who did a great job against the Italians by stopping 11 shots in 19 attempts with four penalties. Supported by his entire family in the stands, including his mother, a former WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks, the future Olympiakos goalkeeper would like to shine a light on his teammates. “The win against Italy gave us a lot of confidence, but it’s not over. We want to qualify,” he said.

Having fallen into the group of death, the Tricolores need at least one victory to reach the quarter-finals of the competition. Tuesday’s win puts them in a good position, but nothing is done as Italy still have two games to play for. A second long is therefore essential enough to ensure its place in the Top 8. Is there a temptation to quickly let go of this match, by rotating the team a lot, in order not to draw too much on its -body wealth and to reach the top. shape for the decisive match against Greece on Sunday?

“I’m a coach who doesn’t want to lose,” laughed the Greek coach of Les Bleues, Theodoros Laurentos. Where I come from, the Olympics are very important. We get cold when the fire is lit. The United States and Spain are the two strongest teams. We want to perform in front of our audience. We have physique to do, we benefit from 3 days of rest. It is important to improve,” he warned.