CHAMPS. Players from France celebrate their victory over Iran in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on June 21, 2024. France won the men’s title over Japan 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 25-23) in the final in Lodz, Poland, on Sunday evening (June 30). (Photo courtesy of VNL)
WARSAW – France's men's volleyball team triumphed over Japan 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 25-23) in the final of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Lodz, Poland, on Sunday night.
Returning to the top of the podium after their 2022 victory, France was led by opposite Jean Patry, who scored 24 points, and Kevin Tillie, who added 13 points. Yuki Ishikawa was Japan's top scorer with 17 points.
The first set was tightly contested, with neither team able to build a significant lead. Two late mistakes by Japan allowed France to edge ahead 23-21. Patry then sealed the set with an effective block, making it 25-23.
Japan bounced back strongly in the second set, with Ishikawa scoring five points to lead his team to a 25-18 victory.
France reclaimed control in the third set. Quentin Jouffroy's powerful spike put his team ahead 24-23, and a decisive block moments later put Andrea Giani's players just one set away from victory.
In the fourth set, Japan briefly took the lead 20-19 after an ace by Kento Miyaura, but France regained momentum. Patry's spike brought up match point, and France secured the win with another crucial block, finishing the game 3-1.
"Japan are always tough opponents. They are very skilled, extremely patient, and they dig everything. We tried to be patient, but it's always a challenge to remain focused the entire time. Winning the VNL is excellent in our preparation for the Paris Games, which is our main goal for the season," Patry said in an interview for the official site of the competition.
With this victory, France moved up to fourth in the World Rankings with 344 points. Japan, despite the loss, celebrated winning the VNL silver medal for the first time.
"We're very happy that we made it to the final, but today it was a tough match. Congrats to France for winning the title. Playing in the final was a great experience for us, and it will help as we prepare for the Olympics," Japan's Ishikawa said.
Earlier in the day, Poland secured the bronze medal by defeating Slovenia in straight sets 3-0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-17). (Xinhua)
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