France-Bulgaria
It was a very vigilant start of the match from both sides. In the first stage the teams were close to each other (9-9), but then the French began to drift apart making the gap bigger by the minute. By the second technical break they earned a four-point lead (16-12), which was enough to secure a calm finish of the set. In the end, a well deserved 25-19 for the French side.
In the second set France preserved a good momentum and right from the start imposed themselves over struggling Bulgarians with an early 4-1 lead. Although Bulgaria managed to pick up their game for an instant tie at 6-6, France was firmly in control of the match. Once again they started to create a gap, and by the second technical time-out they were in front by six points (16-10). After a time-out called by Ivan Halachev of Bulgaria, his team strengthened the defense and created significant problems for Les Bleus. It was anyone’s game after the tie at 22-22, but the French were more focused in the decisive points and edged Bulgaria 25-23 for 2:0 in sets.
The third set Bulgaria started better and by the first technical time-out got a two-point lead (8-6). However, after that the French took over the control and went ahead, but this time Bulgaria would not allow them to escape once again. They reached the tie at 15-15, and then stormed to 25-21 with powerful spikes and firm blocking that left the French side without an answer.
In the fourth set the teams were evenly matched all the way through the second technical time-out (16-15 to France). However, after that bsuddenly stopped and the France certainly knew how to make the most of it. They scored several quick points for 21-16, and that was the blow Bulgaria could not recover from. In the end, Bulgaria’s serving error made it 25-18 and 3:1 to the French side.
Slimane Belmadi, head coach of France: ”I think my players felt some pressure, especially in the second and the third set. They got scared of winning and that is precisely what we cannot allow if we want to beat Serbia, for example. We need to be more stable in reception, but also mentally, and we have to use every opportunity to finish the match without delay.“
Ivan Halachev, head coach of Bulgaria: ”Today we were poor in defense and weak in attack. But we still had our chances. Unfortunately we lost, but we are positive and we think we still have enough opportunities to advance to the next round.“
Luka Bašić, captain of France: ”We got a little bit relaxed after going two sets up. It is a pity because we could have won by 3:0, but OK. Nevertheless, we scored three points and we are looking good.“
Mihail Tsvetanov, captain of Bulgaria: ”We were not focused, we made lots of serving errors, and it cost us the match. Tomorrow, we are thinking only about winning.“
To read more news from this competition click on Youth European Championship 2013 M.
