Germany jumpstarted its VNL Finals hopes once more after securing a big four-set win over France in the Manila Leg.
Germany kept its 2024 VNL Finals hopes alive after pulling off a stunning four-set victory against France in the tournament’s Manila Leg, 25-23, 25-27, 25-20, 25-23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, June 19.
The Germans, who were at the 11th spot with three wins, secured their second-straight victory in the VNL. This triumph was largely due to the stellar performance of their opposite hitter, György Grozer, who amassed 21 points with 18 attacks, one block, and two service aces.
Tied at 21-all in the fourth set, Tobias Brand swung the momentum back to the Germans after an off-the-block hit.
But Jean Patry tied the game once more for 5th-ranked France after a quick down-the-line attack.
Germany’s Lukas Maase would respond with his own attack. However, the middle blocker committed a setting error, which tied the game at 23-all.
Despite some hope of forcing a fifth set, Moritz Reichert and Grozer combined to down France, scoring two straight points to seal the win for Germany.
Reichert contributed 11 points, while Maase and Tobias Krick added 10 apiece in the crucial win.
Patry paced the French with 19 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and two service aces. Trevor Clevenot added 16 markers, while Yacine Louati had 10 in the loss.