The Bleues' cohesion, key to their success in Berlin

In Berlin, the Bleues forged decisive internal solidarity throughout their World Cup campaign. From the hotel to the locker room, the group's warm atmosphere — with its jokes, encouragement and collective rituals — served as emotional glue. This exemplary cohesion allowed the French squad to reach the final, where they fell to the United States (97-79). The world runners-up's success owed as much to the quality of the collective as to individual talent.