After the qualification against Poland, the players of the France team had shared a frank euphoria.
After the accession to the final, the Blues willingly exuberant were still under the influence of emotion after a controlled match (3-0 against Argentina) during which they showed a seriousness at all times.
“I get chills every time I talk about this medal.
Already, thinking of an Olympic semi-final, it did something to me.
It’s incredible to tell me that we’ll be on an Olympic podium.
There you go ... ”, sums up Antoine Brizard.
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Jean Patry tells with pleasure this atypical group returned from afar: "Our state of mind is to tear off all the balls, to play things that we are not used to seeing in volleyball and when we start to play like that, it's complicated for the opponent. It creates euphoria on our side, it turns the tide. It is a mixture of fighting spirit and creativity at times. We surprise ourselves sometimes, these kinds of points are the essence of our team, it's Earvin (Ngapeth) also who is a lot like that. Blows, feints out of nowhere, big defenses, sometimes it's a little atypical but it has an impact on the opponent. That's how you have to play against Russia if you want to foil them. They are not used toface this kind of game and it drives them crazy, them who are a lot about the physique, the height, the power. We are more cunning, patient ... "
Russia, the final (Saturday, 2:15 p.m.), the Blues are there. They have to pinch themselves but are very slowly getting used to the idea: “I don't know if the Russians fear us. We just have to recover and prepare as best as possible because we know that it will be another confrontation than in pools (the Blues had won 3-1), ”said Benjamin Toniutti, the captain. Earvin Ngapeth adds: “Russia is a big team, we know them well. I did three years in Russia, I played with half the team. It's gonna be a big, big fight. They are physical and we should not go into the physical challenge with them. We will have to play our game, that's all. For French volleyball, it's great to be in the final with guys like that (hand and basketball). If we hadn't qualified,we would have been ashamed of each other. We're here, it's cool. Handball players are our model in the history they have had. We used it as an example. It's an honor to be at their side in the final as well. We talk to them a lot in the village, we all support each other, they are super cool. "
