The volleyball world is in shock! The national team of Slovenia delivered the biggest surprise in the final phase of the 2025 Nations League, eliminating the reigning championFrancewith a 3:1 set victory in the quarter-final phase, played in the Chinese city of Ningbo.
France - Slovenia 1:3
| Team | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 22 | 25 | 19 | 18 | 1 |
| Slovenia | 25 | 15 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Even though they tied the score after the second set with a commanding 25:15, the French failed to maintain their level in the subsequent parts. The third set was decisive, when the Slovenians imposed their will with stable play in all elements, and in the fourth they dominated entirely.
Slovenia's hero – Tonček Štern
Tonček Štern was unstoppable – with 7 points in the first set alone and a total of16 in the match, he led his team to a historic victory. His successful attacks and his presence on the service line repeatedly disrupted the French defense.
Problems for France: absences and reserves
French coach Andrea Giani had serious personnel difficulties:
Jean Patrywas dropped from the squad due to illness
Barthélémy Chinenyezewas kept on the bench due to knee pain
Starting six:
Setter: Antoine Brizard
Opposite: Théo Faure (top scorer of the match with19 points)
Middle blockers: Nicolas Le Goff and François Huetz
Outside hitters: Yacine Louati and Trévor Clévenot
Libero: Jenia Grebennikov
Key moments in the match
Set 1:Slovenia took the lead at 12:16 thanks to aggressive serving and precise attacks, mainly from Stern
Set 2:France showed class, dominating with block and serve – aces from Brizard and Clévenot, powerful attacks from Faure
Set 3:The tension increased, the game was interrupted due to referee stoppages, but Slovenia managed to build a lead and held it until the end
Set 4:Gianni's substitutions (Tonutti, Geye, Eno) did not bring a turnaround, and the Slovenians confidently finished their job
The focus shifts to Italy
In the semi-final, Slovenia will faceItaly, who earlier eliminated Cuba. The two teams have already created memorable clashes in recent years, and this match promises another dose of high-class volleyball.
What's next for France?
After the disappointing elimination, the French will focus on the big goal for the year -the World Championship in the Philippines (September 12–28). The 2025 Nations League ends without a medal for them, despite a successful group stage and historical legacy in the tournament.
Photo:volleyballworld.com
