France staged a stunning recovery from two sets down to beat Serbia 3-2 in the Volleyball Nations League at Belgrade Arena, condemning the hosts to a 13th straight defeat in official five-set matches.
Serbia started with authority, taking the opening two sets 25-20 and 25-22 after controlling the pace and creating useful leads. But France found a response after the interval, increasing its serving pressure and gaining greater consistency in attack.
The match changed in the closing stages of the third set. Serbia held a 22-21 advantage, only for France to produce a decisive four-point run and take the set 25-22. The visitors then claimed the fourth 25-23 to force a tie-break.
France remained composed in the final set and closed out a 15-13 win. Serbia struggled to find fresh options late in the match, with injuries limiting head coach Zoran Terzic’s rotation and the home side making costly errors at key moments.
Lilou Ratahiry was France’s leading scorer with 24 points, while Iman Ndiaye added 23. Branka Tica scored 16 points for Serbia, with Masa Kirov contributing 15.
The victory moved France into 16th place with two wins and six points. Serbia stayed 13th with three wins and 14 points.
Results
- France def. Serbia 3-2 (20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-23, 15-13)
- Japan def. Thailand 3-1 (25-15, 25-21, 22-25, 25-22)
- Netherlands def. Czechia 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-18)
- Canada def. Belgium 3-1 (10-25, 25-21, 25-17, 27-25)
- China def. Ukraine 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-20)
