France signed its second victory in the group stage of Euro-2023 volleyball against Portugal 3 sets to 1 (25-21, 25-27, 25-19, 25-15) Thursday in Tel Aviv where Earvin Ngapeth, long injured, has returned to competition
The 2021 Olympic champions have taken a big step towards the round of 16, but this second meeting showed their Italian coach Andrea Giani some areas of progress if the Blues want to aim for a second European title after 2015. In difficulty on services, the French let the Portuguese return to their height a set everywhere, before regaining the ascendancy thanks in particular to the entry into play of receiver-attacker Timothée Carle (18 points).
In other good news for Giani, Ngapeth played his first game in three months after a long absence due to a thigh injury. He came into play during the 4th set when it was planned until then to spare him throughout the group stage of the Euro. France has a day off before facing Israel on Saturday, then Romania on Monday and Greece on Tuesday. The top four from Group D will advance to the Round of 16 to be held in Varna, Bulgaria on September 8-9.
