The Polish national team finished the regular phase of the Nations League with a prestigious 3:2 (32:30, 20:25, 25:20, 23:25, 15:12) victory over Olympic champions France in Gdańsk. The hosts did not hide their desire to get revenge for the lost final in Tokyo 2021, and although they missed the opportunity to close the match 3:1, they were categorical in the tie-break. Besides moral satisfaction, the success brings important points for the FIVB world ranking. And Poland's opponent in the quarterfinals is already clear - it will be the Japanese team.
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The match started evenly, with the French demonstrating strength in the center through Moussé Gueye (8:7), and Kévin Sasak and François Ioetz keeping the score close. Wilfredo León gave the Poles an advantage (14:12), but a series of inaccuracies led to 17:17. The French took the initiative at the end (19:21), but a series of errors and a strong counter by León led to a dramatic finish. After exchanging set points (28:29), it all ended with an error by the "tricolors" - 32:30 for Poland.
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León again showed power with his serves (4:2), but it quickly became 7:7. Grbic's team lost effectiveness, encountering difficulties in distribution and finishing attacks (11:13). The French took a slight lead (18:15) and maintained it until the end. An ace from Brizard and an attack from Matthieu Henno leveled the match - 25:20.
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The third set started contested (12:11), but a counter by Tomasz Fornal (15:13) and an error by Ano Fore (19:16) gave a slight advantage. León added power from serve (21:17), and after a long rally, he closed the set - 25:20.
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Poland led 12:8 after steady performances by León, but the French serve - through Louati and Fore - brought back equality (15:14). A block by Sasak temporarily gave an advantage (18:17), but at 22:22 the French kept their composure and after a key attack by Brizard leveled the sets - 25:23.
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In the decisive set, France led 5:3, but León and a block by Jakub Nowak brought Poland back into the game (7:7). At 13:11, setter Marcin Komenda stood out, and León's counter brought match point. It was León who finished the match with a final attack - 15:12.
🏐 1. Team statistics:
| Element | France | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Attack (attack points) | 64 | 58 |
| Block | 5 | 13 |
| Serve (aces) | 11 | 6 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 32 | 38 |
| Total points | 112 | 115 |
🛡️ 2. Game elements
| Element | France | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Dig | 61 | 56 |
| Reception | 92 | 85 |
| Sets | 122 | 116 |
👑 3. Top scorers:
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| Wilfredo Leon (Poland, #9) | 30 |
| Arthur Fore (France, #21) | 28 |
| Thomas Enaux (France, #15) | 17 |
| Lukasz Sasak (Poland, #35) | 14 |
