They did. France became champion volleyball Europe for the first time in its history by beating Slovenia 3-0 (25-19, 29-27, 29-27) in the final Sunday in Sofia. The French thus confirm their success in July World League.
Since this summer, nothing can stop the team of Laurent Tillie. Not even three balls set save to 21-24 in the second set, nor the tens of Slovenian fans, noisy, yes, but incomparable with thunderous Bulgarians who had almost stun the day (3-2). When the last ball hit the ground Slovenian side, the explosion of joy of the French was to measure the acceleration of history that touches the French volleyball this summer. Happened several times in a game of consecration, especially the Euro (2nd in 1987, 2003 and 2009), it has indeed touch the gold for the second time that year, after the totally unexpected coronation League World in July in Rio.
A perfect start to the meeting
After a difficult journey, but without fail, they had yet to confirm the final against a huge underdog. The French are perfectly attacked the meeting, taking their opponents by the throat to the service, those of Kevin Le Roux being the most impressive. The fine cast was Benjamin Toniutti Earvin Ngapeth much more rare than the day before and Antonin Rouzier imperial peak, as from the start of a tournament he may well be the MVP.
The second set was the turning point of the match. Due to a slump in reception, players Laurent Tillie had to run after the score (3-8) to the famous saved set points. After a crossover high voltage, Slovenians have left willingly die for a soft service Rouzier, and their last hopes simultaneously. Maybe they were victims of the surprise guest syndrome, which is dizzy when he discovers how high the competition it is. To arrive there, the Slovenians had managed both feats leaving Poland, world champion in the quarterfinals, and Italy in half, thanks to their big forwards Urnaut and Gasparini.
A difficult path
Therefore, it was unimaginable to see the French team be caught up playing his first final and who until then had never even reached the quarter. It was still hard, but always with a monumental Rouzier at the net, and we saw also defend and even manage a great cross from the bottom cuff of the field, the Blues managed to drive the point home, the fifth bullet match nonetheless. A World League in July, the French had benefited from the surprise, although their fourth in their World Cup-2014 had opened the door of elite volleyball. Their term the euro is even more remarkable because they were expected, under heavy pressure and forced to convince.
Their journey was arduous, sometimes torn the courage wins, but in the end is faultless: six games, six wins, including two on the organizing countries, Italy in Turin in chicken and Bulgaria in Sofia in half. This gold medal is a summit for the French volley, but it is only a step toward the big goal that coach Laurent Tillie has set this young team, whose owner has not reached his thirties: the Rio Games.
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