After a thrilling water polo match, the French team faced a narrow defeat against Hungary, losing 12-13. Despite the loss, the players expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from 5,000 fans who filled the stands during their Olympic opener. Coach Florian Bruzzo noted that the atmosphere played a significant role in their comeback attempt, which saw them trailing 1-6 early in the match. The team rallied back, showcasing defensive strength and improved attack, particularly from Thomas Vernoux, who scored four goals. The next challenge awaits as they prepare to face Japan, where a win is crucial for advancing in the tournament.
In basketball news, the French national team secured a victory over Brazil with a score of 78-66. Victor Wembanyama was pivotal, scoring 19 points and making a significant defensive impact. Despite a shaky start where France fell behind by 12 points, the team adjusted their strategy and tightened their defense, allowing only 39 points in the last three quarters. Nicolas Batum also contributed significantly with 19 points. The coach, Vincent Collet, emphasized the need to reduce turnovers, as the team recorded 19 ball losses during the match. With upcoming games, the focus will be on improving performance and maintaining momentum.