Ruse, Bulgaria, September 12, 2018 - France started the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the best possible way! In the opening match in Pool B Laurent Tillie’s team achieved a remarkable win against China by 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-17) in the Arena Monbat.
Laurent Tillie, coach of France: “We were very focused in this match and we had a perfect game. The first match is always difficult, especially when you play against a good team like China. The last time we played against China we lost by 2-3, so we played really aggressive since we were afraid of this game, and we did it very good. All matches are important. We are ready for a good fight against Brazil tomorrow and we will see what is going to happen. We have very good players but we have to be prepared very well.”
Benjamin Toniutti, captain of France: “It is never easy to start a competition, especially when its scheme is such that you do not have to lose any easy points. It is very good for us that we managed to win by 3-0, it is really good to start like this. Of course we know that the way is really long, so we just have to rest and be ready for the match against Brazil tomorrow. I expect a really tough game tomorrow. I think both teams have respect for each other, so we know that it will be a really difficult game, really important for both teams. For me the feeling here in Bulgaria is a little bit strange because I have this memory from a couple of years ago, when we did not qualify for the Olympic Games in Sofia and it was really difficult. On the other hand, I keep the feeling from 2015 when we won the European Championship, so this is my good memory from Bulgaria and I hope to make another one after the end of our journey here.”
Stephan Boyer, player of France: “The first game of each competition is hard, doesn’t matter which team is your opponent. Today was important to play clean and good, and to be confident. I think we did a great job. Now we have to rest for the big game tomorrow when we play against Brazil. We have played against them many times. They are a really good team, and for sure when it comes to the World Championship every team has worked hard to improve their level, so I am very excited to play tomorrow. We have to fight for every point until the end.”
Raul Lozano, coach of China: “We should have played better, France did and they deserved the victory. We did not play well in any of the aspects of the game – neither in attack, nor in reception. In general, we did not play well. If we want to play better against the Netherlands tomorrow, we for sure have to make some adjustments in our play.”