FIFA U-20 World Cup 2024 – The Blues in the final after their match against New Zealand

Bluewights beat Baby Black55-31) during the semi-final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Africa, and They will face England in the final next week..

There was an air of revenge, one might say given the terrible weather conditions during the week, between the Baby Blacks and the Bleuets after the elimination of the first round and the desired instability between the two countries during the qualifying stage. Between the New Zealanders who wanted to reconnect with this cup since 2017, facing the triple champions who were still seeking stars, the rivalry was at its peak. To be honest, it was a real attacking display by the French in a very open duel. Carrabba (5th) and Gambini (7th) took the lead with an unparalleled display of power and a great start for the Blues (0-14, 8th). If the New Zealanders logically inherited a try on a devastating carry ball for which Malaterre was yellow-carded (7-14, 11th), the Bleuets symphony was just beginning.

Even at 14-15, the intentions never disappeared. Castro-Ferreira inherited a remarkable work from the French forwards after a great breakthrough from Massa in midfield (7-21, 14) in response. Pléger may have provided great speed in the middle of a passive French defense at the time (14-21, 17), and that was only in the first half, one of the rare moments when cohesion was lacking. Reus collected the points as usual by adding three points (14-24, 21st) and sending a perfect diagonal pass to Castro-Ferreira, alone on the left track to complete the double without difficulty (14-31, 30). The last collective effort would reward the French with a Tacola contest on the ground, where Reus ended the first half in very good quality (14-34, 38) and led by twenty units before going to the locker room.

Riot of playing

The second half would allow Bleuets to prolong the fun despite the occasional physical deficit, but without worrying at the end. Castro-Ferreira would score his hat-trick with force to make room for more manoeuvring (14-41, 47). If Maxwell and Tuvilala responded immediately (24-41, 60), Ferty ensured Carrabba's recovery at the pivot for a race full of desire between the posts (24-48, 64). Reduced to 14 for 20 minutes after Solomon's red card and the introduction of the new rule, the Baby Blacks responded with a last-ditch try from Smith (31-48, 69). The last one at the end almost logically went to Bleuets in a still Reus-inspired service for Mousques to conclude these discussions as 13 tries were scored in total (31-55, 73).

The Baby Blacks were unable to stop the irresistible French rampage, and were not quite ready to give up their hard-earned crown that they have held since 2017. In an almost one-sided encounter, the New Zealanders completely dominated the Tricolores' reaction and must relinquish the crown again in the last four. Despite their clear individuality, Jono Gibbs's force ended up falling to the French who were still up for the challenge.

They are amazing and above all exceptional in their deep and constant conviction since all these generations of victors in this tournament. The Bleuets beat the Baby Blacks right in their eyes so to speak, after the usual discomfort in a group match and a crazy desire to win a fourth title in this category. The young tricolor team, with a prolific offensive production, will challenge the English on July 19, as a kind of revenge for the 2018 edition won in Béziers at the time. A majestic habit from now on too.