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France started the 2025 Volleyball Nations League with a surprising 1:3 loss to Argentina (22:25, 25:13, 22:25, 19:25). For many, this was an unexpected result, especially given the 'Les Bleus' status as double Olympic champions from Tokyo and Paris. However, the team performed with a renewed squad, where young hopes were given a chance but could not withstand the cohesive and inspired play of the Argentinians.
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Even in the first game Argentina set the pace and played by their rules. They led 8:5, with the French managing to come back into the game twice (to 10:9 and 13:12), but each time the opponent pulled away by a few points. Despite the efforts of captain Trevor Clevenot, the French looked uncertain and lost the set after a service error by substitute Ferreol – 22:25.
The second game brought the only glimmer of hope for France. Angry and ambitious, 'Les Bleus' entered with aggression and won convincingly 25:13. Haenno and Moussa Gueye excelled here, with their attacks being accurate and powerful. This was the most one-sided part of the match, where everything seemed to work in favor of the Europeans.
The third and fourth sets however, returned the initiative to Argentina. Aided by their collective play, they exploited the opponent's errors, and Visentin and Gallego joined the duo of Kukartsev – Palonsky. The Argentinians closed the match with 25:22 and 25:19, with the final game passing almost entirely under their control.
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Argentina showed a true team face. Pablo Kukartsev (15 points)and Luciano Palonsky (14 points) were the leading scorers, while Gallego (9)andVicentín (8)contributed steadily to the victory.
From the French sideTrevor Clevenot (13),Jules Faure (13)andMárquez Henno (12)were active, but not enough to turn the tide of the match. Setter Thizy-Walalu added 4 points, but without consistency from the other players, France looked shaky.
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Argentina entered the court with strategy, drive, and cohesion. They won not with brilliant individuals, but with collective discipline, effective blocking (8 points), and good distribution. Despite the tie in total points (88:88), the Latin Americans dominated in key rallies.
France, although with new faces, demonstrated uncertainty, high service errors, and shaky defense. Expectations for this young squad will continue to grow, but the coaching staff will urgently need to work on psychological stability and play in decisive moments.
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This victory establishes Argentina as a serious contender in this year's edition of the VNL. France remains a dangerous team, but will need to work on consistency and reducing errors if they want to return among the favorites for the Final Eight.
🇦🇷 Argentina Squad
16. Kukartsev (O) – (15)
7. Palonsky (OH) – (14)
4. Gallego (MB) – (9)
17. Vicentin (OH) – (8)
8. Loser Bruno (C, MB) – (5)
29. Luengas (OH) – (2)
Players who entered or remained without points:
1. Sanchez Pages (S) – (0)
2. Conde (OH) – (0)
3. Martinez Franchi (OH) – (0)
5. Scarpa (L) – (0)
6. Gomez (O) – (0)
19. Maciel (MB) – (0)
22. Zerba (MB) – (0)
77. Giraudo (S) – (0)
🇫🇷 France Squad17. Clevenot (C, OH) – (13)
21. Faure (O) – (13)
15. Henno (OH) – (12)
30. Huez (MB) – (8)
24. Gay (MB) – (6)
3. Tizi-Oualou (S) – (4)
Players without points scored:
5. Strelo (OH) – (0)
12. Chaboissan (S) – (0)
20. Diez (L) – (0)
33. Potron (OH) – (0)
35. Manen (MB) – (0)
37. Ramon (L) – (0)
38. Ferral (O) – (0)
40. Duflo Rossi (OH) – (0)
Bulgaria plays Argentina tomorrow evening at 11:30 PM Bulgarian time.
photo:volleyballworld.com
