Overview
- France beat the Netherlands 33-31 after extra time in Rotterdam, with the Dutch forcing overtime on Dione Housheer’s goal four seconds from time moments after Tamara Horacek had put France ahead.
- Les Bleues controlled the extra period and pulled away when Suzanne Wajoka made it 30-27 with four minutes remaining.
- A defensive reset, anchored by Hatadou Sako’s saves and Pauletta Foppa’s ball recoveries, transformed a slow start into a platform for the win.
- The run included a 26-23 group-stage loss to the Dutch, a 31-26 quarterfinal victory over Denmark, and a 23-29 semifinal defeat to Germany.
- France competed without regulars Grâce Zaadi Deuna and Laura Glauser, while Estelle Nze Minko, Laura Flippes, and Chloé Valentini were on maternity leave.