The final four, their minimum goal in Slovenia, is still a long way off. But the French under-20s completed the first part of their mission without delay: qualifying for the main round of the world championship.
The day after an applied start against Brazil (37-18), the selection of Eric Baradat signed a second victory, Thursday evening, at the expense of South Korea (34-21). Sarah Bouktit was his best asset: holder, the pivot of Metz scored seven goals, 100% success. The other Mosellanes of the collective played a supporting role: an achievement for Laura Fauvarque, 0/2 for Zaliata Mlamali, 2 stops in 13 minutes for Mélanie Halter.
Saturday (2:30 p.m.), the French women will compete for first place in group D against Norway, two successes as well. Their two opponents in the next round will come from Group C, where Metz academy centre-half Giulia Fabbo and Italy are close to elimination after losing to Argentina and Denmark.