FRANCE flexed its Olympic gold pedigree by outclassing Iran in straight sets, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20, in the 2024 Volleyball Men’s Nations League (VNL) Manila leg on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Frenchmen shrugged off a tough loss to fellow European powerhouse Germany through the heroics of star attackers Jean Patry’s 16 points and Trevor Clevenot’s 13.
With its Olympic title defense on-lock and a VNL playoffs spot almost clinched, the world No. 7's focus now shifts to hitting peak form ahead of its oncoming competitions.
“It was important for us to play a good game today after one day rest. It was important to find a new victory and continue to work for our goal to go to the finals. We are happy. It was a great match and we worked good,” Patry said.
Clevenot added: “It was important for our confidence. It’s important after you lose to win. I think we played a good game. We’re happy to win and we have to focus now on the next game. It will be a really difficult game so this is the (turning) point.”
Iran dream run comes to a close
Three straight matches featuring two five-set wins got the better of the Iranians, with their top-scoring captain Milad held to just 10 markers as the lone player in double-digits.
READ: Once-winless Iran catches fire with second straight win
The also-ran Asian side slid further down the order with its ninth loss in 11 matches to remain in 15th place.
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