The French U19 national team reached the top of the world! Jean-Baptiste Laurent's proteges defeated Poland 3:1 (22:25, 25:22, 25:15, 25:12) in the championship final in Argentina and won the gold medals after an incredible comeback. The heart of "Les Bleus" - Andrey Jokanovic, was chosen as the MVP of the tournament, and Noah Duflo Rossi played as a leader, a real engine in attack and block.
🇵🇱 Polish start, French patience
The final started difficult for the future champions. The Poles gained momentum early on, and Travka's attacks and solid defense paid off - 5:3, 16:16, and then 20:19. Despite a timeout requested by the French staff, after Olejniczak's attack "Les Bleus" lost the opening set 22:25.
But the feeling was that the French had not said their last word.
🧱 Duflo Rossi and Yegbekedo's Wall
In the second set, France found their rhythm. The block, led by Noah Duflo Rossi and Yegbekedo, closed like a concrete wall in front of the Polish attackers. At 5:5 there was no longer any hesitation, and an ace by Yegbekedo rattled the opponent - 10:8.
Poland tried to restore balance through Lisson - 15:15, but Jokanovic and Rossi brought water to France's mill. At 25:22, "Les Bleus" leveled the sets - 1:1.
🔥 Jokanovic turns on the turbo
The third part became a demonstration of French dominance. Dukic came in with heavy attacks from the second line, Jokanovic raised the tempo, and Noah Duflo Rossi was everywhere - in defense, in block, in attack.
At 13:8, Nawrocki was already looking for a miracle, but even Chrzankowski's self-sacrificing defense did not help. Poland collapsed, and the set ended with Lisson's attack into the antenna - 25:15, 2:1 for France.
🧨 France destroys illusions
The last set was a formality - France's constructive play turned into a destructive wave. Jokanovic continued to score, Rossi was unstoppable, and an ace by Marczluf brought the score to 20:9.
Skorza's attempts to break through the center were unsuccessful, and with Duflo Rossi's last attack at 25:12, France clinched the world title with a final score of 3:1.
🥇 France - U19 World Champion!
After the final whistle, "Les Bleus" erupted in joy - for the first time since 2007, French volleyball has a junior world title.
Coach Laurent built a team with a strong block, calm organization, and a leadership axis in every position - from Respo in reception to Jokanovic in attack.
🏅 MVP and "Dream Team": The French lead the parade
MVP: Andrey Jokanovic (France)
Setter: Maciej Drog (Poland)
Outside Hitters: Jokanovic (FRA), Noa Duflo Rossi (FRA)
Middle Blockers: Timothy Lenik (Poland), Daniel Jegbekedo (FRA)
Opposite: Cesar Irache (Spain)
Libero: Guillaume Respo (France)
🥉 Bronze for Spain after battle with Iran
In the small final, Spain defeated Iran 3:2 (23:25, 25:23, 15:25, 25:21, 15:10). Cesar Irache Camacho was again above all with 38 points, while Iran held on thanks to Rahimi and Rafieirad.
📌 Final score:
France – Poland 3:1
(22:25, 25:22, 25:15, 25:12)
France: Marzluf (4), Jokanovic (24), Laplace (5), Nowaczyk (5), Jegbekedo (8),Duflo Rossi (20), Schmitz-Straumann, Dukic (10), Krein (1)
Poland: Шчуровски (3), Лисон (15), Дрог (1), Скура (5), Травка (13), Леник (9), Стейер (либеро), Хшанковски (1), Олейничак (3), Пшибилкович, Глова
Vive la France!
The French school triumphed again - not only with gold, but with a generation that will yet shine in men's volleyball.
