What a brutal end for the Blues in the World Championship semi-final in Doha. Against the 2022 European champions, the Blues were not disqualified but lost (17–16 in Tabs).
Tricolor may regret their start to the match. Thanks to the team’s star Thomas Verneaux, they scored their first goal after missing 4 offensive possessions, leaving the Croats at two scores at that point. From then on it was just a long race after the score for the French team. The Blues, very inaccurate in attack, trailed 3-2 at the end of the first quarter. Croatia still held a short lead at half-time (6-5), which gave the tricolor hope.
Ending the match with a twist
But the French came back from the locker room with their heads down. The Blues lost too many balls while the Croats adjusted their shots and widened the gap in the third quarter. Following a Croatian counter-attack, French captain Hugo Crosillat committed a third foul, leading to his dismissal and a penalty. The Croats held a three-goal advantage before the start of the final quarter (9-6).
As in Hungary, the Tricolors displayed considerable mental resources in the time of money. Buoyed by another save from Hugo Fontani (10 total), Florian Bruzzo’s men scored 2 goals in quick succession before clawing their way back to level (10-10). Croatia regained the advantage after Enzo Khasz sent both teams to penalties after regulation time at 11-11.
Clement Dubois, who entered the French cage for the session, made no saves on the first 6 shots. In the sudden death game, he was the special one who had the first crack at goalkeeper Marko Bijak. The Blues were knocked out by the 2017 world champions, but will not be embarrassed by their defeat against the biggest names in world water polo.
They will challenge Spain on Saturday (9:30 am) aiming to win bronze for the first time in their history.
