The Blues had a dream, they will have to wait to see become a reality. Beaten by Russia in the final of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the men of Laurent Tillie let their opponents to fly to the Olympics in Rio.
Very good in the first set and grinning at will, the French have gradually lost their success and faced an effective opposing defense that put their folly in the extinguisher (25-14, 16-25, 23-25 , 21-25). Just like their frames in trouble, they never managed to ignite the match. They will have a last chance to live their Olympic dream. It will be in a final qualifying tournament held in Japan in May.
They had been so attractive, if disconcerting since the beginning of their epic Berlin. The Russians, defending Olympic champions, had not resisted their passion and success in opening the tournament. But they have not dominated Olympus in London for nothing. Struggling in a one-sided first set in which the France team showed the best of itself (25-14), they were able to return to the meeting based on a strong and effective defense. In front, the French have lost their energy. Slapping Antonin Rouzier weighed less heavy for Russian defenders and attacks Earvin Ngapeth more often stumbled against the Russian.
Smiles and nods have gradually left the French faces. To counter the spell, Laurent Tillie then tried a lot. Mory Sidibé and Pierre Pujol came back into play in the second inning when France had already five points behind. But the replacements have not enabled France to find a second wind, quite the contrary.
The Blues have finished the inning with nine points behind (16-25) and promises of the first set seemed to be a memory. The first points of the third act did not allow them to raise. Trailing by three points quickly, they have been behind all the time. Rabies Ngapeth its scarce winning points and any relative suspense in the final points of the set have changed nothing (23-25).
Antonin Rouzier – Team France volley – AFP
The appearances of Lyneel Field Marshal and have no more changed the course of the match than previous changes despite some nice shots. And each time the French have tried to tilt the fourth round in the madness, the Russians brought them down to earth. The best example is probably the point at 14-19 in the final set. The French win this incredible rally. But after Russia and did not doubt Mikhailov dropped his arm.
Olympic champions, Russians are well in Rio. France will have a final opportunity it in Japan in May. Otherwise, the Olympics will be deprived of European champions, and Brazil a team capable of igniting the land.
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