They themselves had not dreamed of such a great party less than a month before their entry into the Paris Games. The Blues of volleyball, reigning Olympic champions, won this Sunday in the Nations League final against Japan: 25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 25-23. They won their fourth title after 2022, and 2015 and 2017, when the competition was still called “World League”.
The day after their exploit against Poland (3-2), the defending champion, the French were this time able to respond to the assaults and the technical precision of the Japanese. The task was complex, especially since the spectators present, mostly dressed in Polish colours, did not stop booing them. “Against Japan, they are always difficult matches,” admitted the point guard Jean Patry afterwards to the organisers’ microphone. They play really well, they are very patient, they defend everything and force us too to be very patient, to be focused and to always give the best of ourselves. It is always very difficult to play against them.”
This Sunday evening, the Blues suffered in particular during the second set, multiplying the errors especially in service. But they were able to count on Jean Patry and Yacine Louati, who have become real leaders of the team in recent days. These two, also well helped by the motivation of Kevin Tillie, led the collective to victory.
Les Bleus knew their opponents of the day well and had even lost to them on June 26 during the first phase of the competition (2-3). Coached by a Frenchman, Philippe Blain, who as coach of the French team from 2001 to 2012 launched most of the leaders of the 2021 Olympic champions, the Japanese played their first international final this Sunday since the Munich Olympic Games in 1972.
Brizard elected MVP of the competition
“At the beginning, our objective was the semi-final,” continued Patry, recalling that the main objective of the Blues remains to retain their title this summer at home. “This victory is a good result for our preparation for Paris. We have worked really well over the last few weeks,” he appreciated. Coach Andrea Giani also undoubtedly took the opportunity to refine his selection. In addition to the return of Earvin Ngapeth, the Blues were notably able to count on the precision of Théo Faure, understudy of the decisive French attack against Italy in the quarter-final. “All the guys can play, can change the match and that’s really our strength,” confirmed Patry. All players are important and can help the team. »
Sunday evening, Nicolas Le Goff was awarded the title of “best middle blocker”, including best counter player in this competition, Antoine Brizard received that of “MVP” of the competition in addition to that of best passer and Jean Patry is the best sharpie. Reboosted and after having gained this confidence, the French team will continue its Olympic preparation in Saint-Nazaire then will gradually move towards its first match at the Arena Paris Sud, on July 27. “Hello French people, we are expecting many of you in Paris, we are going to need you! », Slipped Jean Patry on Sunday evening. The appointment is made.
