Flavien Hasslauer: France heralds great start to WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024

European vice-champions France made a spectacular start to the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 with two wins from two on the opening day at the Central Harbourfront Event Space in Hong Kong, China.

Flavien Hasslauer was in Mexico City two years ago when France lost their opening game to Venezuela but this time celebrated the better start in Hong Kong and praised his teammates for their determination to finish the day unbeaten, especially against debutants China, which saw the world No. 4 side eventually win (5-0, 5-8, 6-4).

“Against China was especially difficult, particularly the second set,” Hasslauer said after the game against the world No. 9. “We were in front, we were dominating but because of fatigue we lost some concentration and ended up losing the set.

“We also started the third set badly but managed to pull it back and finish strongly to claim the win.

“The main difference between the two teams was the defence, which we saw in the first set. Our defence was very solid, we were in the game, we blocked well during the game and didn’t concede too many points.

“The hitting was also a strong point of ours but the major difference between us and China was the defence.”

France sit on top of Group B unbeaten and on Tuesday face Japan - the silver medallists from two years ago – and Mexico with Hasslauer feeling confident about his team’s chances.

“The goal for the rest of the tournament is to go through to the Super Round and claim a medal. We have very high objectives and have the capacity to play very well and beat any team. Ourt biggest opponent isn’t the other teams, it is us.