ROAD TO RIO M: You can’t stop France! #TeamYavbou knocked-out world champions

Tonight, France downed World Champions to reach final in a very uncertain game 3-0 (29-27, 32-30, 25-20).  The fully packed Max Schmelling hall had an opportunity to see atomic volleyball from both sides!

It was “point after point” game, especially in the first set! France were leading almost all the time. At the result 23-23, Poland got the first point, but French team managed to save it! Afterwards, Antiga’s side got new chance to win the set, and used it, but video challenge corrected the mistake of referee and game was tied again.

After Kevin Tillie’s good spike, Kurek sent ball out of bounds and France took the advantage 29-27!

The second set was more uncertain than the first one. Poland had a small advantage at the 1^st technical (8-6), but France managed to make turnaround at the second TTO – 16-15.

A few minutes later, Kurek scored a point for the lead of his team (18-17). Tillie side answered with 4-0 scoring run 21-18. Again, Poland tied with point of Klos and Rouzier’s mistake. At the result 23:23, we knew that new volleyball marathon is waiting for us.

Believe it or not, the European champions used eighth set point to increase the lead in sets 2-0 (32-30). Mika sent ball wide and Tillie’s side started celebrating big advantage.

What could we say about third set? France had 18-10 lead in one moment, Poland managed to come closer 22:19, but they couldn’t stop European Champions. 

They will meet Russia in the final of the European Olympic qualifying tournament, while Poland and Germany will try to keep their Olympic dream alive.

Top scorers: Rouzier 21, Ngapeth 17, Tillie 10 – Kubiak 12, Kurek 10, Bieniek 10, Mika 10

CEV QUALIFICATION ROUND – 185 / SEMIFINALS – 13 / –

To see standings, results, stats, videos, etc, visit our Olympic Games 2016 M page.

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