international conflict , Russia was unable to send a team to the tournament this year . Historically one of the most competitive teams , the absence of Russia allowed some other countries to shine . And that they did .
This was truly the standout moment for team France .
The French Men ’ s team battled their way into the second slot with ferocity , showcasing their dominance in the Euro Series , and gaining some well-deserved respect on the international stage . Expect to see more from names like Fabrice Colombo , MIchael Penela , and Axel Gaudin in the future .
The French Women also took silver , but only by the narrowest of margins . They had a slow start and slim-margin matchup against the Italian ladies in the morning . A stronger showing in that first game would have put them neck-and-neck in standings against the Americans .
In the Youth Division , the French U19 squad had three tight games against Belgium , Great Britain , and Sweden respectively , and then they stalemated Team USA . Going into finals , they , like the women ’ s squad , were neck-and-neck with the Americans , but couldn ’ t hold it together to the finish line , dropping the match 4-0 . They were close , and brought home the silver .
The remainder of the medals were split between rising competitors , Poland and Great Britain who tied for third standing , both bringing home a silver and a bronze , closely followed by their European neighbors , Italy and Belgium .
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