The Blues fail near the goal in the final of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament – The Équipe.fr

It was believed the first case heard … After four matches won high-flying and first flew set, this final Sunday of the Olympic qualifying tournament against Russia, the team of France thought much pocket his ticket for nothing. But lack of freshness after big efforts made during the week, the Blues eventually yield to Olympic champions and saw their dream to fly. Beaten in four sets (25-14, 16-25, 23-25 ​​and 21-25), they must go through a TQO last spring (May 14 to June 5), Japan, to hope to compete in the Olympics.

Faced with Russians remained powerless in the first round, Earvin Ngapeth and partners imagined win in the same manner. But beating the same opponent twice in a tournament is always tough, everyone knows. The incredible level of play displayed in the first set by players from Laurent Tillie has long maintained the illusion of a faultless tricolor. Irresistible to the service, in the image of Kevin Le Roux, overpowering attack by Antonin Rouzier, and very serious in defense, thanks to Nicolas Le Goff, the European champions have managed to start a demonstration (25-14).

But gradually, fatigue caught up with them. And as Russia did not impress left, the game quickly turned. Entrance late in the second set, they lost quite clearly (16-25), the Blues could not then raise. Blame it on several unusual mistakes but also to culpable nonchalance result of the efforts made in previous days. After falling Ngapeth, doubt is somewhat interfered when the French have dropped the third set (23-25), after a good fight.

In the face of repeated assaults and Mikhailov Markin and that the decisive contribution of Berezkho, the winners of the World League finally surrendered. They hoped to avoid each additional trip before going to Rio this summer. But players of the team of France will have no choice. If they want to reach the Olympic podium, this stopover they will be absolutely necessary. With a better result with the key if possible

Qualification:. Manual

Blues qualification the ultimate chance for the Olympics in Rio will take place between June 14 and June 5, Japan, during a last TQO. The eight participating nations, including Poland, will this time from around montier and only the first four will qualify for the Games. If Japan, the host country, in part, it will then remain only three qualifiers tickets.