25-Nov, start time: 15:05, end time: 16:14 - Attendance: 1,800

FRA	3	25	25	25	-	-	75
CAN	0	19	20	16	-	-	55

Match Description:

Great Granvorka leads France to fifth win
Frantz Granvorka, one of France's most experienced players, was in sublime defensive form to lead the European vice-champions to a vital fifth win in the Men's World Cup with a straight sets win over Canada in the second match in Okayama on Tuesday.

Sitting in fifth place, with four wins from seven matches prior to the match, every game for France is a must-win affair if they want to keep their top three chances alive and Granvorka and the Tricolors went into their Canadian encounter with the perfect tonic of attitude and spirit. Canada, who had targeted this game among the three in Okayama as their "win-game", shaped as stern opposition but Granvorka and co were at their sublime best, fighting for everything and playing with a determination, which has been lacking at other crucial times.

Right from the start the curly haired 27-year-old, who has more than 150 caps, showed much of the spirit and courage he displayed when France claimed the 2002 World Championship bronze medal, diving for everything and pulling off some inspiring blocks to help the favourites open an 18-14 lead. From then on France were in complete control with two Philippe Barca Cysique (the MIP) serves giving set point at 24-18 before Sebastien Frangolacci finished the set.

France started the better in the second set as well but a couple of interesting no-calls on French held balls fired up the Canadians, who were in search of their third win, and through the excellent serving of Jason Haldane and Steve Brinkman they were soon the owners of a 13-9 lead. However, it was not to last. France fought back to 13-13 before Granvorka gave them the lead at 18-17 with a fantastic serve. Despite the best efforts of Canada's best Paul Duerden, France's tails were back up and charged home 25-20.

The third set was all France as they opened a 6-1 lead before stretching it to 19-13. By this stage Granvorka had done his defensive duties and was subbed but it was a superb performance and well timed ahead of the run home in Tokyo.

Comments:

BLAIN, Philippe (FRA, Head Coach)
I am very proud that we won this match, because it was a very important one for us. One of the good points in this match is that we played well on the court. Mental toughness could be seen in this match. I believe that we have a hope of getting a ticket to Athens.

BARCA-CYSIQUE, Phillippe (FRA, Player)
I know that we are in the situation where any loss cannot be allowed, so we devoted ourselves to this match. We prepared well mentally and physically, which led us to a victory in this match. We really want to carry our dynamic play into the Tokyo round.

DE ROCCO, Stelio (CAN, Head Coach)
I was frustrated and sad that CAN did not reach our full potential today. Since we intend to maintain our duties that we should win as the second best team in the North America, we haven't given up in this tournament. We have desire to win and find consistency in the forthcoming matches.

KOSKIE, Scott (CAN, Captain)
Congratulations. FRA was a good team. We didn't control this match or put pressure on FRA. We were well prepared for this match, but it didn't work on the court.

Official Result:

Match statistics (P-2) - PDF