Reigning champions France continued their dominance in Group F and, after a high-scoring win against Tunisia, added another against the People’s Republic of China, winning 47:21.

GROUP F
People’s Republic of China vs France 21:47 (12:26)

France started with no surprises and, just like against Tunisia, gave China no breathing space. From the very first whistle, the French side pushed the pace and by the 13th minute had already built a 12:3 lead. China called a time-out in an attempt to regroup and, after the break, finally scored their first goal in seven minutes, but there was not much more they could do.

France had an 81% attacking efficiency, with many goals coming from fast breaks and transitions sparked by Camille Depuiset, who posted a 48% save rate at half-time. Lucie Granier led the charge with six goals in the first half, later joined by Suzanne Wajoka and Pauletta Foppa.

China struggled throughout the half, converting only 38% of their attempts, with just three players managing to score more than twice. Coach Yerime Sylla rotated his squad, but nothing seemed to break through France’s structure.

The second half followed a similar pattern. France kept playing their system and experimenting, with all players getting their chance on court, while China continued to fight. Coach Sylla was not satisfied with his team’s approach, prompting a time-out in the 43rd minute when France had already stretched the lead to 19 goals.

France entered the final ten minutes with 40 goals on the scoreboard, leading 40:18 and hinting they would surpass their first-round tally of 43. On the other side, China slightly improved compared to their opening match against Poland; after scoring 20 then, they managed 21 today.

France will now head into the main round to battle Poland for the top spot and the full four points, while China will look for a chance to progress as they face Tunisia.

hummel Player of the Match: Pauletta Foppa (France)