France defeats Team Poland to advance to gold medal final at 2017 World Games

Team France overcame a boisterous hometown crowd and a physical opponent to defeat Poland 28-2 at the 2017 World Games in Wroclaw, Poland Saturday, to advance to the gold medal final against Germany.

Quarterback Paul Durand threw three touchdown passes and running back Stephen Yepmo scored one on the ground to earn the win for France. Receiver Andrew James caught all three touchdowns. Jefferson Alexandre kicked all four extra points for France.

Team Poland forced a safety in the second quarter to account for their two points.

The French opened the scoring following a missed field goal attempt by Poland’s Adam Nelip. James caught the first of his three touchdown passes from Durand with under five minutes left in the quarter to give Team France a 7-0 lead.

Then after Poland’s defense stiffened forcing the safety, France regained possession and Durand marched them down the field, finally connecting with James again with eight minutes left in the second half, to give the French a 14-2 lead. Team Poland’s offense struggled and Durand engineered another drive, relying on Yepmo who finally scored with two seconds left in the half, extending the lead for France to 21-2.

James caught his third touchdown pass of the game late in the third quarter giving France a 28-2 lead. Neither team could mount much offense in the final quarter and France cruised to a comfortable win.

Team France will face Germany, Monday July 24 in the gold medal game. Germany won the gold medal in 2005 at the Duisburg World Games. Poland will play Team USA for bronze the same day.