The French volleyball players lost with honors against the United States, winners in three very tight sets (25-23, 27-25, 27-25) Friday in Anaheim (California), but still hope to climb in the wagon of the eight qualified for the final phase of the League of Nations. Andrea Giani’s players are now only tenth in the standings after this defeat against one of the best teams in this qualifying group.
But before the last day, joining the Final 8 is still possible. The Dutch team (9th) being out of the running after their defeat against Slovenia (3-0), the Blues can validate their ticket for the quarter-finals provided they beat Germany (11th) on the night of Sunday to Monday (Paris time). They would then overtake Serbia, currently ranked eighth.
If the French volleyball players maintain the level displayed against the Americans, there is hope against Germany, a selection of which Giani was the coach before taking the reins of the France team. Against the USA, the Blues did not go that far. After a first set where they failed to serve (10 misses), the teammates of Barthélémy Chinenyeze, Jean Patry and Yacine Louati (11 points each) had two chances to equalize at one set everywhere in the second set.
The third set was just as tight, and the Blues even saved three match points. “We’re not far away, it’s a little frustrating (…) because I don’t think the Americans were much above us. I find the 3-0 a bit harsh”, regretted Antoine Brizard, the passer for the France team. “It may be one of our best games in the competition, now there is still a game to win against Germany who have nothing left to play, we will have to be solid,” he added. .
