France – Turkey
The teams were evenly matched throughout the initial stage of the first set, but then Turkey created a gap at 12:9 with a couple of good blocking plays, and preserved it until the second technical time-out (16:13). After the break, Turkey made a great effort in defense, reaching for almost every ball out there, and France struggled to score. Excellent blocking kill by Melih Siratca made it 25:19 and 1:0 in sets for the Turkish side.
Turkish players created all sorts of problems for the French receivers from the serving line in the second set. Patiently, the Turkish boys were creating a gap and by the second technical break they earned a three-point lead (16:13). France did not shine in attack, and their balls were often an easy prey for Turkey’s players. By the end of the set the French game plan completely fell apart and Turkey easily doubled the lead winning the second set by 25:18.
Turkey continued with a good defensive play and tricky serves in the third set as well. They got off to an early 8-1 lead and right from the start crushed any hope for the French in this match. It was a matter of routine for the Turkish youngsters to wrap this match up at 25-10 for the sweep in straight sets.
Ali Kazim Hidayetoglu, head coach of Turkey: “We let ourselves go in this match. We have many injured players and we are constantly under pressure, but my guys did a wonderful job and I am very happy.“
Slimane Belmadi, head coach of France: “I am ashamed because my players were completely absent today. There is nothing more I can say about this match.”
Yigit Gülmezoglu, captain of Turkey: “I am very satisfied with this victory. Now we have to wait for the next match and see whether we go to the semifinals.“
Luka Bašić, captain of France: “We are very sad, but today we did not play at all and we deserved to lose. We wanted to go to the semi finals, and now we have to battle for the place at the World Championship.“
To read more news from this competition click on Youth European Championship 2013 M.
