France’s basketball team, known as the Bleus, delivered a thrilling performance on February 24, 2025, clinching their spot at EuroBasket 2025 with a narrow 76-74 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the CO'Met Arena. This victory marked not only their qualification but also demonstrated their resilience, finishing the qualifying rounds with an unbeaten record of six wins.
The stakes were uniquely positioned; both teams had already secured their spots for the EuroBasket tournament, which is set to take place from August 27 to September 14, 2025. Despite the lack of immediate stakes, the intensity of the match was palpable, with each team eager to maintain their momentum as they head toward the prestigious tournament.
From the outset, the game was fiercely competitive. The Bosnian squad, armed with physical prowess and aggressive defense, quickly established themselves through key offensive rebounds, leading early and capitalizing on France's shooting struggles. Early on, the French side found themselves struggling to penetrate the basket, leading to numerous attempts from the three-point line, which didn’t yield the expected results. Only Matthew Strazel, who contributed significantly with two three-pointers, briefly shifted the lead to France before it reverted back to the Bosnians.
Both teams faced shooting difficulties, resulting in missed baskets and turnovers, but they continued to fight through the exchanges. France's inability to secure rebounds and convert opportunities kept Bosnia competitive, with both teams engaging in a back-and-forth without one managing to pull away significantly.
Entering the second half, the dynamics didn’t change immediately. France’s performance continued to exhibit signs of inconsistency, abandoning solid ball control and failing to capitalize on fast breaks. Nevertheless, Yoan Makoundou emerged as a beacon of hope, firing off points and regaining lead momentum with important shots. His ability to dynamically engage with the offense allowed the French to claw their way back from deficits.
With the score closely contested and tensions high, moments of brilliance erupted from the French bench. The contributions from bench players, who secured 41 points collectively during the match, showcased the depth of the squad. The camaraderie and tenacity of the French team shone through, proving pivotal as they approached the money time of the game.
With the game winding down and just moments left on the clock, the urgency was electrifying. After trailing by seven points earlier, France rallied back, showing poise and strength. Strazel and Luwawu-Cabarot kept the scoreboard ticking, leveling the score at 70-70 amid deafening roars from fans.
And then came the defining moment of the night. With merely seconds remaining, Élie Okobo delivered the decisive blow—an exhilarating three-point shot at the buzzer—snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and etching another memorable chapter for France’s basketball legacy.
"Élie Okobo éteint la Bosnie au buzzer," exclaimed DAZN France, capturing the emotion of the moment. The artistry of the shot not only sealed the game but also symbolized the resilience and unyielding spirit of the French team throughout the qualification process.
With this win, France capped off their qualification campaign with remarkable success, joining Latvia as the only teams to finish unbeaten. This marks the first time since the introduction of FIBA's window system for international qualifications where France has concluded the qualification round without any losses, which speaks volumes about their preparation and adaptation under pressure.
Looking forward, the upcoming EuroBasket tournament promises to be competitive, with strong teams like Germany, Belgium, and Spain also reigning from their respective qualifications. The draw for the tournament is set for March 27, and anticipation is already building for how the Bleus will fare against Europe's best.
With their unified goal and demonstrated capability, one can expect the French team to enter EuroBasket 2025 as formidable contenders. They will undoubtedly look to extend their streak and showcase the depth and talent they have cultivated.