Bulgaria's first opponent in the Volleyball Nations League - Belgium, concluded its preparation with a 1:3 (31:29, 19:25, 24:26, 16:25) defeat against Olympic champions France in a friendly match played in Tourcoing.
The match was the second between the two teams within a few days. In the first test match, held in Beveren, the Belgians defeated the French 3:1 (25:18, 26:24, 19:25, 25:19), which means that Emanuele Zanini's team finishes its VNL preparation with a balance of one win and one loss against the reigning Olympic champions.
In Tourcoing, the "Red Dragons" once again showed a good performance. They dramatically won the first set 31:29, and in the third, they reached a set point at 24:23 but failed to convert it. The French turned it around to 26:24, after which they dominated the fourth set.

The most effective player for Belgium was opposite Ferre Reggers with 15 points. For France, Stephen Boyer scored the most points – 17, and Mathis Henno added 16. The French made the difference mainly with blocks and serves, finishing the match with 15 blocks and 8 aces.
Belgium begins its participation in the Volleyball Nations League on June 10 precisely against Bulgaria in the city of Brasília.

photos:Fédération Française de Volley