Bernard Diomdes young French side battled bravely but couldnt find a way past Colombia, settling for fourth place at the Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia.
Frances U-20 side fell narrowly short of a medal at the World Cup in Indonesia, losing 1-0 to Colombia in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Bernard DiomdesBleuets, already heartbroken after their semi-final defeat to Morocco on penalties (1-1, 5-4), were undone by an early Colombian strike and finished the tournament in fourth place.
It was a nightmare start for the young French team. Barely two minutes had passed when Oscar Perea pounced on a costly error from Nantes midfielder Moustapha Dabo to slot past Justin Bengui.
The early goal stunned the French, who struggled to find their rhythm in a flat first half that produced few real chances.
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Their best opportunity came midway through the half, when Dabos shot inside the box was accidentally blocked by his own teammate, Fod Sylla.
The unlucky Sylla had to leave the pitch shortly after following a concussion check, with Mayssam Benama coming on in his place.
Dabo later tested the Colombian keeper from a free kick, whilecaptain Elyaz Zidaneappealed in vain for a penalty after a tangle with Mosquera.
The second half saw a livelier French side push harder for an equaliser. Dabo again went close, heading straight at the keeper from a great position with eight minutes to go.
Moments later, the Bleuets thought they had a penalty for a foul on Lucas Michal, only for the referee to reverse his decision after aVAR review.
France kept pressing right to the end. Deep into stoppage time, Noham Kamara saw his shot deflect off a Colombian arm without reward from the referee, and Ilane Tour rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike that Bonnet in the Colombian goal just managed to tip.
Despite their spirited finish and Diomdes depleted squad around forty players were unavailable as clubs refused to release them France can take pride in a campaign that showcased plenty of promise and resilience.
The bronze slipped away, but the future of Les Bleuets still looks bright.
(With AFP)
Originally published on RFI
