The French national team concluded its two-month preparatory camp in Tourcoing with a dramatic 3:2 victory over Belgium (25:20, 22:25, 25:27, 25:18, 15:9). The match was played in the packed "Pierre Dumortier" hall and was the Olympic champions' final test before their departure for the third week of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Chicago.
After the first friendly match between the two teams in early June, won by France 3:1, the Belgians once again proved to be an extremely formidable opponent. The match was organized in a special format, as the two head coaches had pre-agreed to play five sets regardless of the final score, allowing them to utilize a maximum range of players before the start of the last tournament of the VNL main phase.
The French started strong and won the first set 25:20 without much difficulty. Belgium then raised their level and turned the tide, winning the next two sets 25:22 and 27:25.

Trailing 1:2, head coach Andrea Giani made significant changes to the starting six. The most crucial change was at the setter position, where captain Antoine Brizard was replaced by Amir Thizi-Oualou. It was this revamped lineup that brought the initiative back to the hosts. France convincingly won the fourth set 25:18, and then dominated the tie-break, closing it at 15:9.
"Belgium is a team that plays well, is very experienced, and has quality players. Such matches are always difficult and intense, and that is exactly what we need in our preparation. Our goal is to continue working and moving in the right direction," commented opposite hitter Théo Faure after the match, who returned to the squad after an absence.
France played the friendly without one of its most experienced outside hitters, Trevor Clevenot, who is continuing his recovery from a right ankle injury sustained during the match against Japan in the VNL.
After a two-day stay in Tourcoing, the French team will depart for the United States, where between July 15 and 19, they will play their last four matches of the main phase of the Volleyball Nations League. Andrea Giani's team will face Brazil, China, Poland, and Bulgaria.
Currently, France is in 12th place in the VNL provisional standings and will need to seek maximum points to keep its chances of qualifying for the Final Eight in Ningbo (China), which will take place from July 29 to August 2. The last match against Bulgaria could prove decisive for both the French and Gianlorenzo Blengini's team in the battle for a spot among the top eight.
As of now, the French Volleyball Federation has not yet announced the official roster with which Andrea Giani will depart for the tournament in Chicago. Only the absence of the injured Trevor Clevenot is certain, while the other names in the squad are expected to be announced just before the start of the third week of the Volleyball Nations League.

Photos: JMD/Sports 5962