DECRYPTION – New leaders are on the field for the France national team as they attempt to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Jean-Aimé Toupane is the squad’s captain, and executives are not present.
The fact that Les Bleus have advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup is already causing celebration. After having achieved a bronze medal in the Olympics held in Tokyo the previous year and a silver medal at each of the last 5 European championships, the French national team downgraded its goals for the next World Cup, which began on Thursday in Australia. The injury forced the withdrawal of four prospective titleholders: Olivia Epoupa, Bria Hartley, Marine Johannès, and Sandrine Gruda, who held the record for most goals scored by a member of Les Bleues (2,784 points in 215 caps).
