This week, the France U18 Baseball5 team gave us a thrilling World Cup. Arriving in Turkey as favourites, our Bleuets, who rank second in the world, fully met expectations.
During the group stage, France was flawless. Facing Taipei, Ghana, Mexico, South Korea, and Australia, they remained undefeated. They won 10 innings and conceded just one to South Korea; they scored 53 runs while allowing only 16. A solid defense and offensive potential that gave them full confidence heading into the super round.
For the second phase, featuring the top three teams from each group, France had a scare. Against the host nation Turkey and China, the Bleuets won 2-1 each time; 18 runs scored for 17 conceded. Steady nerves and a team with character kept the dream of a title alive.
Ultimately, there was one mountain France couldn’t climb: the highest one. Cuba. Soundly beaten 2-0, the French conceded 18 runs while scoring just 5, showing they still have room to grow to compete with world No. 1 Cuba.
But the French learn fast. In the World Cup final, France and Cuba met again. Cuba was crowned world champion after a perfect campaign. But the defeat was less heavy, with a more rigorous defense.
Yes, France fully lived up to its ranking. Even if Cuba was untouchable in this competition, the future looks bright for French Baseball5. Thanks, Bleuets.
The names of the athletes, World Runners-Up: Amina, Emma, Ambre, Jade, Lucas, Valentin, Dorian and Alirio. Let’s hear from them:
Ambre Brouard: It was a great World Cup; we had a great experience. We had a good team, a good atmosphere, and we were well received. I’m thrilled with our journey.
Amina Taleb: This competition enriched us both as people and athletes. What we experienced together will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. We forged a strong bond throughout the competition and showed the world that France belongs in the World Championship. Thanks to everyone who supported us and sent their strength, but above all, thanks to the staff who supported us and helped us achieve this journey.
Then Lucas Dedieu: I’m very proud and happy to have participated in this World Championship. It was a fantastic experience; the whole team had fun, and we created a true team spirit, which showed in the games. It was a very beautiful championship with a very good team.
Dorian Bouniol: Living through this first edition of the youth World Cup was indescribable. Together, we managed to support each other to achieve such a result. Our strength was team cohesion; on the field, we had a lot of fun. Experiencing something like this at our age is incredibly enriching. I hope to have the opportunity to relive such championships. Thanks to everyone and thanks to the coaches. Very proud of this collective!
Now, let’s hear from Stéphen Lesfargues, the DTN of the Federation who coached alongside Lahcème Benhamida.
From the inside, we’re living a great moment with a team strong in character, undeniable talent for this sport, and different emotions each day.
We worked well collectively to win this week, the athletes and the staff, but also before the competition with several gatherings, the France Internationals at the CREPS in Toulouse at the beginning of July, and some people who aren’t here in Ankara but will recognize themselves in my words. Our players also have very good fundamentals thanks to the training provided in Baseball-Softball clubs and our high-level structures. These bridges also contribute to the performance of the France Baseball5 collective in this World Cup. We are strong, serene, and in combat mode from the start of the competition. Each match forces the French team to push its limits.
We came here to be world champions. This Sunday, we played for the ultimate title against Cuba, eye to eye, and we continue to dream big!
Let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is just the beginning, and the whole world is seeing that France is well and truly present on the global stage.
Sébastien Dondé
