France’s Futsal Team Suffers Surprise Loss to Iran, Sparks World Cup Strategy Debate

After two wins, France lost to Iran (4-1) at the end of a match as surprising as it was spectacular. While the Blues have been gaining momentum in the competition, they have been less offensive and decisive against Iran. This leaves room for several interpretations. The most likely would be that France lost to the 4th-ranked team in the world to "benefit from a better bracket in the World Cup and perhaps offer itself a better run."

This defeat against Iran spares them a match against Morocco in the round of 16 and then, in case of victory, "probably the Brazilian ogre in the quarterfinals". The Blues, second, will face Thailand in the round of 16 and possibly Paraguay in the quarterfinals, two teams that "are a notch below Morocco and Brazil," comments Le Parisien.

When questioned on this subject, the coach of the French team Raphaël Reynaud replies: "I understand that we are surprised and frustrated by the scenario. It was up to the Iranians to play the game, they are 4th in the world. We did not expect this attitude from them. Yes, this bracket (with Thailand and Paraguay, ed.) is more open for us, but the goal was above all not to take cards and get injured." He will add: "It’s a shame for futsal. I assume the choice of a more cautious strategy, and that we are first in the idea of preparing for the rest. Tomorrow, things will be behind us. We have the desire and the means to take additional steps."