France was expected at the turn for its entry into the running in this World Championship. And the Habs, who have just won the World League, did not miss this first step against Germany, beaten quietly in three sets (25-22, 28-26, 26-24). Here are the reigning Olympic champions launched before finding Slovenia on Sunday (8:30 p.m.) then Cameroon on Wednesday (5:30 p.m.). A first round which should not pose any problems since the first two and the four best third (out of the six pools) qualify for the round of 16.
What you must remember
Still breaking in, the French machine was first hung by a diligent German team (11-11) before benefiting from a gift from Kalitzek and taking a first break (15-11). Without really forcing, Earvin Ngapeth’s teammates won the first set despite three set points saved by the Germans (25-22). The rest is more complicated for the men of Andréa Giani, the new coach of the French. Led (1-6), the Olympic champions are chasing after the score. A gap that they are unable to fill (16-22) despite the efforts of Antoine Brizard. But the Habs never let go and come back from nowhere (24-24). On a missile from Earvin Ngapeth, they get a set point, which they convert on a last victorious block (28-26). Despite the two sets lead, we still haven’t seen the irresistible French team in Tokyo. The 2017 vice-world champions threw their last strength into battle at the start of the third set. In a still tight game, the Blues are still surprised (16-20). But as in the previous set, Nicolas Le Goff’s teammates (3 blocks) came back again (22-22) and won after their third match point (26-24).
Player: Earvin Ngapeth
For this first match of the competition, Earvin Ngapeth used his experience. Like the team that will grow in strength throughout the tournament, he played in fits and starts. His service (4 aces) hurt the Germans who found their former coach Andrea Giani. Despite everything, it was he who kept the blue ship afloat when it was close to capsizing in the second set.
The number: 3
In search of a first title of world champion in the wake of their Olympic title, the French have so far only managed to climb the podium once. It was twenty years ago, in 2002, during the Argentinian World Cup. At the time, the Blues came back with the bronze medal around their necks. A meager loot that only asks to improve.