There are 3 seconds left to play.
Thomas Vernoux takes the ball and lands a magnificent long shot which deceives the Hungarian goalkeeper.
France achieved a huge feat by winning (11-10) at the expense of Hungary, the reigning world champion, in the quarter-final of the World Championships in Doha (Qatar).
A historic performance for the Blues, who until then had never reached the semi-finals of the World Cup.
#Doha2024 |
🇫🇷 YES GENTLEMEN!
The French water polo team qualifies for the semi-finals of the World Championships for the first time in its history!
🤩 Major performance from our tricolors who win 10-11 against Hungary!
pic.twitter.com/WAVIJDLcYW
— francetvsport (@francetvsport) February 13, 2024
Their best finish was 6th place last year in Japan.
After beating Australia with forceps on Sunday (11-8), Florian Bruzzo's men made their date with history against the Hungarians.
They will challenge Croatia on Thursday for a place in the final.
A good omen before the Paris 2024 Olympics, in just under 6 months…
To overcome these tough Magyars, the Tricolores showed defensive solidity even if they faltered offensively during the first act, with an ugly 3 out of 13 on shots and 4 goals behind (3-7).
Thomas Vernoux then took matters into his own hands during the 3rd quarter by scoring two goals.
Imperial in the goals, Hugo Fontani multiplies the saves, including a penalty, and allows the Blues to reduce the score (8-6).
The comeback is underway.
Read alsoWater Polo: “We are waiting for the Games and the influence of the Blues to attract even more audiences”
In the last round, France found fluidity in attack and scored 4 goals in a row by Ugo Crousillat, Romain Marion-Vernoux and his cousin Thomas, twice.
Hungary came back to the score (9-9, 10-10), but the talent of Thomas Vernoux made the difference in a final decisive action to achieve a historic victory.