Since the start of the games everyone can see they deserve the gold, but we remain cautious. We want to avoid the wrong confidence that always haunts us at this level of competition.”

The difference between the talent of the “experts” and the "crazies" is as plain as day. The “experts” are really more gifted, but they share the craze for the game. As was the case with the “crazies”, they take a lot of risks. They appear to be free, to be strong. That was the case with Olivier Girault, who did fabulous things for the team when it was really necessary.

“During the France – Russia game, Daniel Narcisse was great. He was really above the competition and is now one of the three best left-back players of the tournament. Luc Abalo was sensational at right wing; his game level is on par with Spain's Albert Rocas. Nikola Karabatic remains quiet but did his job. The Gilles brothers, Daouda Karaboué and Thierry Omeyer, did a good job too.

“During the game the team appeared to be serene, as was the coach Claude Onesta, who remains quiet on his bench. We expected them to play like they did during the France – Poland game (30-30) but they calmly took the advantage thanks to real master strokes.”