Inconsolable or in tears, the members of the French women’s team still wanted to be positive after missing the target.
Aux Invalides
Terrible disillusionment for the French women’s team, which came out sharply in the round of 16 this Sunday under the blazing sun of the Esplanade des Invalides. The Blues and the trio composed of Lisa Barbelin, Caroline Lopez and Amélie Cordeau, were swept by the Netherlands 6-0 (49-55, 51-56, 51-54). The Batavians, however, remained with two defeats against the Tricolores who appeared as credible candidates to obtain a podium.
Second in a World Cup event last year, reigning European champions, the Blues had just beaten the Netherlands to claim the continental title across the Rhine earlier this year. But the marvelous setting of Les Invalides and the magnificent atmosphere did not sublimate the host country. Quite the contrary. Lisa Barbelin’s teammates were caught up in the pressure. Especially the youngest of the trio. The Haut-Savoyarde Amélie Cordeau, completely missed.
Cordeau was in tears, inconsolable, as he left the arena
Devastated by this disappointment, Cordeau was in tears, inconsolable, as she left the arena. She couldn’t find the words to describe her day’s pain. “There were big mistakes that sowed doubt. We missed it. At this level, you have to be consistent and the Netherlands have been consistent, explains Les Bleues coach Jean-Manuel Tizzoni. We tried to anticipate this overflow of emotions, but it’s not that simple. Especially for Amélie who has barely left juniors. It’s the experience. She had her place on the team. Her teammates weren’t 100% from the start either. Lisa got back into it but it wasn’t enough. Usually we beat the Netherlands, not this time. It’s hard when it falls on the Games.»
Wet eyes, Caroline Lopez tried to be positive: “It was very quick. We would like to thank the public. We had noise like never before. We expected it but we didn’t expect it. I had never had so much encouragement. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to follow up well with big mistakes from time to time. It’s hard because the medals we won as teams gave us hope for something. It takes a toll on morale».
The leader of the French team Lisa Barbelin in tears
In tears, the leader of the French team Lisa Barbelin also tried to be positive: “The entrance into the arena was exceptional. We could hear the audience starting to shout. I had a knot in my stomach but everything turned into happiness to be there. It was impossible to imagine such an atmosphere. I felt like I was in a mini Stade de France.” Unfortunately the result did not follow…
Dreams of a medal are, on the other hand, still possible for the men, also reigning European champions and qualified for the quarter-finals, contested on Monday. The girls will try to bounce back and rectify the situation starting this Tuesday, July 30, during the individual event. “We need to work harder. It’s not over, souffle Barbelin. The French team can still shine. We will put all our energy into helping the boys on Monday. »
