OQT 2016: France holds its own and features of Russia in four sets – Eurosport.fr

         The France team did more than hold its own. Team Yavbou dominated Russia 3 sets to 1 in his first match of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) for a ticket to Rio 2016. teammates Earvin Ngapeth offered a great show in Berlin, managing to combine the show and efficiency, a recipe that had already taken the high in 2015. Russia, Olympic champion, has not really succeeded in doubting El Tri despite the gain of the second set.
       

         They are predicted hell from the first minutes of the OQT. Russia, Everest World volley as the first obstacle on the road to the Olympics should remember that this team of France had all the trouble in the world against Belgium in the last few weeks, and that the titles of 2015 (World League and Championship Europe) were already ancient history.
       

         But they found Wednesday as players rarely concentrated before the game, a sign that this game was really special and they were ready to (re) leave the big game. And, from the beginning of the game, players Laurent Tillie have imposed their volleyball, one that makes it a very special team. With Antonin Rouzier leader and above all a mix between risk taking and tactical intelligence, the Blues took the game from the right point: 25-15 in the first set, a little slap.
       

         Russia then recalled all the same, she is not there to play the sparring partners. With a simple recipe: Wholesale service and strong presence against which 2.08 meters Volvich made the difference. The Blues, who both need a little folly to unwind then did not find the solution, the time of a set. That was before the show Ngapeth. Smashes overpowered contortionist defense, and an irrepressible sense of ease. He is the spark that gave the Blues in the right direction in the third set. The incredible points are then chained to a 8-0 in the teeth of groggys Russians.
       

         Leading 2 sets to 1, the Blues then showed all their strength and durability, making outwit the Russians forced to reinvent itself, without much success. The French collective defense finished the job, relentless. Ngapeth gave the ball game and Rouzier said. Blue leaders were at the rendezvous, causing everyone in their wake.
       

         The France beats suddenly Russia for the first time since the arrival of Laurent Tillie at the head of the selection. A little spanking unimaginable against the Russians no so long ago. Performance is successful and gives every reason to believe that the great story that began last year is complete. The confirmation must now come against Finland tomorrow (8:30 p.m.). And it will be difficult to do much more convincing.