Brilliant play and a bit of bad luck for 'Les Bleues' in the Volleyball Nations League

The French women's national volleyball team was just a step away from a grand feat against world number two Brazil. In the Pool 9 match of the Volleyball Nations League in Chiba, Japan, the Frenchwomen displayed an inspiring game but ultimately lost 2:3 (25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 21-25, 11-15) after more than two and a half hours of spectacular play.

Just a day earlier, 'Les Bleues' lost to hosts Japan 0:3, but their play left a positive impression. And against Brazil, these hopes materialized into a real threat to the South Americans.

France shocks Brazil at the start

The Frenchwomen started the match with confidence and aggressive serving, completely unsettling Brazil's reception. The score quickly became 7-2, and then 18-11. The Brazilians reacted with three consecutive blocks, but Iman Ndiaye (19 pts) closed the first set in favor of France at 25-23.

In the second set, the game was even, with France taking a 7-5 lead after a good run by Amanda Silves, but then allowing a comeback to 11-13. After a dramatic rally, the score was tied (18-18), but young Brazilian Helena, who replaced the injured Ana Cristina, and middle blocker Diana helped Brazil tie the overall score.

Cazotte's show and team spirit until the end

The brightest moment for France came in the third set, when captain Héléna Cazaute delivered a phenomenal serving run, including two aces, which propelled the score from 15-15 to 23-15. France then closed with a convincing 25-17.

The fourth set again started in favor of 'Les Bleues' (6-3 after a great block by Fanguedou), but Roberta's powerful serve for Brazil turned the tide of the game (8-13). The Frenchwomen almost tied at 18-19, but errors by Schalk and Silves in crucial moments led to 21-25 and a tie-break.

The Tie-Break - A drama that ended in tears

In the fifth set, Brazil's experience and class made the difference - Diana recorded three blocks at the start for 0-3, and then Julia maintained the lead (5-10). France came back to 10-13 after inspiring serves by Lucille Gicquel, but Gabi put an end to the dispute, and Amelie Rotar's subsequent serve into the net sealed the final 11-15.

"I am extremely proud of my team. No one expected us to take two sets against Brazil. We fought until the end and never gave up," said captain Héléna Cazaute, who finished with a phenomenal 33 points (45% in attack and 2 aces).

Onward to the next battles

France will have to recover quickly, as tomorrow they face Bulgaria, and on Sunday they will meet South Korea. Interestingly, 'Les Bleues' will face Brazil again in the group stage of the upcoming World Championship in Thailand, where they will have another chance to make history.

photos:volleyballworld.com