2023-08-30 18:17:11
A second continental title for tricolor volleyball after that of 2015? The road to the Final Four on September 14 and 16 in Rome is still long but the French got off to a good start in this European Championship, contested in 4 countries (Italy, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Israel) by winning (3-0) this Wednesday at the expense of Turkey. Faced with the best opponent (12th in the world) of this group D, the men of Italian coach Andrea Giani had a serious and diligent match bringing hope for the rest of the competition.
After a smoothly led first set (25-20), the Blues had more difficulty during an extended second set where they had to save a set point before getting the better of the Turks (30-28). Quickly ahead in the 3rd round, Jean Patry’s teammates wasted two match points before conceding a good set and then winning 29-27. A success in 3 sets without losing energy for the rest of the competition.
France will face Portugal (26th nation in the world) on Thursday, Israel (68th) on Saturday, Romania (31st) on September 4 and will finish their group stage the next day against Greece (34th). The first four of each group are qualified for the round of 16. Injured in a thigh (crack in the quadriceps tendon of the right thigh), then plagued by a recalcitrant knee, the tricolor star Earvin Ngapeth, who has not played any international match this year, could return for the round of 16 scheduled from September 9.
#Euro #volleyball #good #start #France #solid #winner #Turkey