France regained its dominant form once more after making quick work of Iran in the 2024 VNL Manila Leg.
Reigning Olympic champions France is back in the top four after crushing Iran in straight sets, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20, in the 2024 VNL Manila Leg at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday, June 21.
After their four-set defeat to Germany on Wednesday, the French vented their ire at the streaking Iranians, who came into the match on a two-game winning streak.
Similar to the first and second set, the world no. 7 distanced themselves early on in the third set after building a four-point lead at 11-7.
The gritty Iranian squad managed to tie the game at 13-all behind the efforts of team captain Milad Ebadipour.
But in the blink of an eye, France rebuilt its lead after a 5-1 run led mostly by middle blocker Daryl Bultor’s sharp serves.
The trio of Jean Patry, Yacine Louati, and Trevor Clevenot put the finishing touches on the match, and France grabbed its seventh win in the tournament.
Patry led the French with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace. Clevenot contributed 11 markers, while Louati added nine in the win.
Milad, on the other hand, was Iran’s lone double-digit scorer with 10 points.
The world no. 7 France will next take on no. 3 Japan on Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m. before ending the Manila leg on Sunday against no. 4 Brazil at 4 p.m.