Qualifications for the 2023 World Cup: first defeat for the Blues against Montenegro

It's a misstep for the Blues.

This Friday evening, they were surprised and suffered their first setback in the race for qualification for the 2023 World Cup, beaten in Montenegro, by only one small point (70-69).

Despite everything, this defeat remains without consequence for the moment: Vincent Collet's men remain at the top of group E before welcoming Hungary on Monday evening (8:30 p.m.).

Already focused on Hungary on Monday.

#TeamFranceBasket |

#PassionatelyBlue |

#MNEFRA |

#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/26irCf25xZ

– French Basketball Teams (@FRABasketball) July 1, 2022

The Tricolores missed their match and who constantly ran after the score, will long regret their lack of skill on free throws.

They only scored 20 times from 32 attempts.

Same awkwardness on the three-point shots: only Theo Maledon scored one, against three for Montenegro, including one at the very end of the game which hurt the head of the French.

They tried to react, but too late.

The Blues, who will have to react on Monday evening against Hungary, remain at the top of group E with 4 victories and one defeat so far ahead of the Montenegrins who sign this Friday evening a prestigious success against the Olympic vice-champions.