The French table tennis team is in the semi-finals of the European team championships in Zadar, Croatia. On Saturday, she will meet Germany, nine times titled in this competition. It's a final before its time.
Their competition finally begins now. France–Germany, this poster was expected during the draw for the final phases. “All the matches will be contested and almost will be 50-50. There is a chance that it will be a big moment of ping and I hope that we will succeed in getting them,” enthuses Alexis Lebrun, 22 years old. Because Germany is a big, even very big piece: nine times European team champion, three players in the world Top 15. Benedikt Duda, 8th, Dang Qiu, 14th and Patrick Franziska, 15th. This shows what awaits our Blues. “Their objective is to continue to dominate Europe and we are to try to change the hierarchy,” announces Félix Lebrun, 5th in the world.
Since 2010, in the European team championships, France has never won against Germany. The Blues have only managed to win two matches in five meetings. “If we look at the record over the last 25 years, they dominate Europe. Now, I believe that with this generation, they are not afraid of that. If we take the last two years in Europe, it is us who have dominated. They are very strong, but so are we. We are going to be determined in this match”, says Nathanaël Molin.
It's true that France can boast, led by the Lebruns, of having won the European title in singles with Alexis, in doubles with the two brothers, in the European Top 16 with Alexis again. And arrives with real status. “They have beaten us a lot in recent years. I hope that the wheel will turn a little. And that from Saturday, we will launch a great dynamic for future years against this team and this country,” smiles Félix.
“Just be at the right time”
Certainly the medal in these team Europes is assured but the objective is far from being achieved. “If we want to be European champion, as is the case, we had to play Germany at some point,” insists Alexis. “For me, we are two quite similar teams in terms of level and composition of the teams. Well, it's ping-pong, basically. All the matches will be played, that's what's difficult and good. It doesn't matter who leads 2-0, the match won't be over,” adds the oldest Lebrun. This meeting can go one way or another at any time. “They have three very solid players. So, really, a big nation, obviously.”
What can this be about? Difficult to answer. “All the hot moments for the moment, we are managing them well. But perhaps they will manage them even better than us. This is where we will have to have this ability to fight in the difficult part. Already fight on the emotions that we may have. And after, have the capacity to respond with ping, with technique or tactics. We will have to be just at the right time”, analyzes Nathanaël Molin.
But the French team, with Félix and Alexis Lebrun, leaves with big assets, big chances. Félix is a recent finalist of the China Smash in Beijing, 5th in the world, Alexis European champion in singles. Without forgetting the third man, Simon Gauzy, in good shape in recent months. “I'm number 18 in the world, I'm the weakest of the six. But hey, I'll go and get my point.” An enticing display, with these Blues who have not trembled since the start of the competition and the Germans, jostled by the Croatians at home in the quarter-finals. “I think everyone can't wait to play, to watch this match, because the Germans were very impressive and we have been since the start of the tournament. Frankly, it's the kind of match we want to play. It's going to be hard to pick them up, but we see that picking up Félix and Alexis isn't going to be easy either, and me too,” insists Simon Gauzy.
