After a crazy quarter-final against Poland, the volleyball Blues have perfectly mastered Argentina (3-0) to afford the first Olympic final in their history.
Benjamin Toniutti relishes this rare moment.
It does not matter that he has left the reins of the pass to Antoine Brizard for a few games.
The French captain especially highlights a formidable group spirit before the final on Saturday against Russia.
What is your feeling after this qualification?
BENJAMIN TONIUTTI.
At the start of the game there was a lot of pressure, a lot of tension on both sides.
That's why there were a lot of service faults.
Little by little, Jenia
(Editor's note: Grebennikov)
had two or three gestures that relieved us all and that started the game a bit.
It's a great story, a great evening, but it's not over yet.
We were almost out of the competition
(Editor's note: after the group loss against… Argentina)
and we had this click in the match against Russia.
We have come a long way and this is the strength of the group.
What does an Olympic final mean to you?
It's a kid's dream.
I have a little anecdote.
In 1996, I was at the campsite with my parents and I watched the Italy - Netherlands final, it was a crazy final
(Editor's note: 3-2 victory for the Dutch)
and I am here in front of you.
(Smile)
Right now my family is at the campsite, maybe that's a sign, I don't know.
Anyway, I thought about it today.
Now we are in our dream, we will play and try to win.
HISTORY!
DIRECTION TO THE FINAL FOR THE FRANCE VOLLEYBALL TEAM!
What a day !
Superb victory against Argentina, France dominated the game and quickly won 3-0!
More than the Russians to beat and France is on the roof of Olympus. # Volleyball # Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/PxPwxXfuBA
- JO Tokyo 2020 🇲🇫 (@ JO2020Tokyo_) August 5, 2021
You have played less in recent matches.
How do you live it?
I've been there for a long time, twelve years.
I am there for the group, for the France team.
To give the maximum on and off the field, try to bring experience, serenity ... From Berlin
(Editor's note: the January 2020 qualifying tournament)
we have created something, everyone contributes.
Yacine
(Editor's note: Louati)
had an exceptional TQO in Berlin.
He helped us qualify, he doesn't play too much in these Olympics and he makes an ace that unblocks the situation at the end of the first set.
We will need everyone.
We all have the goal of winning medals.
You beat the Russians in a pool.
Does that make you the favorites?
We must completely forget the confrontations that happened before because it is a final of the Games and everything is different.
Already they are more physical than us, they had half a day more rest.
It can play after a long tournament like that.
We will need everyone.
But we will try to rest and prepare well for this final.
We dreamed of a medal, we already have one and we are going to look for the most beautiful.
Do you think they fear you?
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 groups.
