Our special correspondent in Tokyo
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The full Olympic program
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Bend but don't break.
Above all, do not break up.
Beaten by the United States and Argentina, before snatching (after a new defeat) against Brazil their ticket for the quarter-finals, the Blues of Laurent Tillie experienced an Olympic tournament of all emotions.
Constantly shaken between frustrations and startles.
In search of sensations, of regularity.
They went through all the emotions again against Poland, saw the end before clearing the obstacle 21-25, 26-22, 21-25, 15-9.
Here they are in the semi-finals of the Olympic tournament, against Argentina, after having come close to the worst on several occasions.
Their strength, against Poland, opponents known at their fingertips led by the devilish duo Wilfredo Leon Venero-Bartosz Kurek, was to have always believed in it after spending their time chasing the score.
And to have gone through all the colors.
From anger to euphoria, from rage to fear.
This team has an inner strength which, in Tokyo, allows it to resist all typhoons ...
The France team released the double Polish world champions.
YURI CORTEZ / AFP
In an extremely tense match, the Polish solidity in defense and the power in attack around Bartosz Kurek was deprived of air for a long time, ran out of air.
But each time, taking advantage of the smallest drop in the Polish duo's power, the Blues clung to their calves to stay alive.
The dream was at this price.
The adventure goes on.
Earvin Ngapeth and his teammates could smile, relieved.
They weren't at the party, but this kind of match proved contagious envy.
There was an expression of deep relief in the scenes of joy following the match point.
To read also: Earvin Ngapeth: "We are not afraid of anyone"
Laurent Tillie, after nine years at the head of the Blues and marked by a consistent record (Euro 2015, World League 2015 and 2017), remains in the saddle and can continue to continue the intoxication of an Olympic podium to chase the ghosts of Rio de Janeiro (elimination during the group stage five years ago).
Before leaving to his successor, the Brazilian Bernardo Rezende (two Olympic titles) an experienced group, seasoned with the requirements of the high level.
A workforce that has a past, but which for the moment remains firmly attached to its present and wants to sketch a future with ambition.
French team sports will be in the news at the end of the week in Japan ...
Olympic Games: all the French medalists in pictures
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