Argentina outdid France in net defense, by 11-5 in kill blocks, and made fewer unforced errors than the opponent, 32-34. Opposite Pablo Koukartsev authored four of those kill blocks to finish with a total of 10 points. Outside hitter Luciano Vicentin was the best scorer of the match. He spiked 21 points at a 64% success rate and added an ace to top the charts with a match-high 22 points. His cross-court teammate and namesake Luciano Palonsky added another 17 points, all in swings, while captain and middle blocker Agustin Loser registered a 69% success rate in offense, raised two kill blocks and put away an ace to sign off with 12 points.
“It was incredible! We played against the two-time Olympic champions, so it was a big game for us. Of course, for them too, I think. I am happy. Our team won two sets, and after we were down, we came back. We just fight. This is our culture in our country, so we just keep going,” Vicentin told VBTV.
France were more successful in offense than their South American opponents. They tallied 71 attacking points against 62 for Argentina. The European team also edged ahead in serving by 3-2 in aces. The Olympic champs were led by outside Trevor Clevenot with 16 points, all in swings. Sub-in opposite Theo Faure added another 13 spike kills. The two middle blockers – Barthelemy Chinenyeze, who suffered an injury and was replaced during set four, and Nicolas Le Goff, who shined with a 90% success rate in attack – also reached the double digits with 11 points apiece.