French Team Finishes Qualifying Unbeaten

The French national team concluded their World Cup qualifying campaign with a decisive 89-62 victory over South Korea, completing a perfect 5-0 run. Both teams had already secured their spots in the tournament, but France finished strong, particularly in the fourth quarter.

The Blues exploded in the final quarter, outscoring their opponents 36-17. This physical dominance followed a match where both Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaun, the tournament MVP, were absent from the lineup.

A Competitive First Half

South Korea started strong, opening the game with a 7-0 run. However, Marine Johannes quickly responded with two three-point shots, bringing France back into contention. The first quarter ended with a narrow 19-16 lead for France.

The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with Korea briefly taking the lead (23-25). Despite some missed opportunities and defensive lapses, France managed to enter halftime with a 32-31 advantage, largely thanks to Johannes’ performance.

Dominant Second Half Seals the Victory

France controlled the second half, extending their lead to double digits in the third quarter (43-33, 48-38). While South Korea attempted a comeback, reducing the deficit to four points (48-44), the fourth quarter proved decisive.

France’s strong shooting from beyond the arc, finishing with 50% accuracy (12/24), and their rebounding dominance (46-28) were key factors in their victory.

“After hanging on for three quarters in the match played without Gabby Williams or Janelle Salaun (elected tournament MVP), the Blues physically exploded their opponents in the last quarter, winning 17-36.”

Johannes Leads the Way

Marine Johannes was the standout performer for France, scoring 24 points and shooting 6-of-11 from three-point range. Her contribution was instrumental in securing the win.

French Scorers: Chéry (2), Ayayi (16), Badiane (7), Johannes (24), Touré (8), Gueye (10), Lacan (11), Bernies (5), Astier (6)

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

With qualifying complete, France now turns its attention to the World Cup in Germany. A key concern for head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane will be ensuring the availability of his core players, particularly those competing in the WNBA, as the collective bargaining agreement for the league remains unresolved.

FAQ

• Q: What was the final score of the match?
  A: France defeated South Korea 89-62.
• Q: Who was the leading scorer for France?
  A: Marine Johannes led France with 24 points.
• Q: What is France’s record in World Cup qualifying?
  A: France finished with a perfect 5-0 record.