(Paris) The French men’s volleyball team outclassed Canada (3 sets to 0) in its final preparation match ten days before the Olympic Games, on Wednesday in Mouilleron-le-Captif.
In a packed Vendéspace hall, Earvin Ngapeth’s teammates, reigning Olympic champions, had a great time against the Canadians (25-18, 25-18, 25-23), who they will meet again in their second match of the Olympic tournament, on July 30 at the Arena Paris Sud.
The Blues, who are coming off a fine victory in the Nations League at the end of June, made short work of the very pale Canadians, notably thanks to a fine performance from centre Nicolas Le Goff, who was very present in the block, as well as point Jean Patry, who was impeccable in serving and attacking.
The coach of the Blues, Andrea Giani, was able to rotate his squad, sparing Earvin Ngapeth and Barthélémy Chinenyeze.
The Canadians, fifth in the last Nations League, made too many mistakes to be able to keep hope in this match.
At the request of the coaches, both teams played two more rounds to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the Games.
The French will begin their Olympic tournament on July 28 against Serbia, before meeting the Canadians on July 30 and then they will finish the group stage against Slovenia on August 2.