- Despite a 2-0 lead, France-Krimi loses to France-Krimi
The German volleyball team squandered a 2:0 set lead against hosts France and had to bury their medal hopes at Olympics. The team led by standout player Georg Grozer lost to the reigning Olympic champions in the quarterfinals in a thrilling match at the Parisian arena in the south, 2:3 (25:18, 28:26, 20:25, 21:25, 13:15).
The German team, coached by Michal Winiarski, was aiming to be the first from the country to win a medal. The East German team had won silver in 1972. Despite the loss, the team played a strong tournament overall, showing they could compete with the world's best against Japan and the USA.
The German team caused a stir in Paris
Going into the match against the team of former German coach Andrea Giani, the German team was the underdog. The French team is not only the Olympic champions but also won the Nations League (VNL) a few weeks ago.
At the start, the German attacks landed too often in the French block. Grozer found few openings. But then, the tournament's best blocker at the time stepped up with some impressive defensive plays and powerful spikes. Many varied attacks helped the Germans win the first set.
The many French fans, who initially shook the stands with their cheers and chants of "Allez les Bleus", fell silent after German points.
Grozer's serve wins the second set
In the second set, the Olympic champions and the crowd woke up. While some French serves went out, they increased the pressure on the German reception. Outside hitter Earvin N'Gapeth stood out.
But the Germans stayed composed and fought back point by point. Two crucial points from middle blocker Tobias Krick and a powerful serve from Grozer gave them the 2:0 lead. In the third set, the German team initially found answers to minor setbacks. But some errors and misunderstandings cost them the set.
Close call gives France the edge
Germany stabilized and Grozer scored important points, but too many attacks went out. The fourth set was close. A very tight call on a block touch by Anton Brehme gave France a slight advantage. Moritz Reichert found no way through the French block on the outside.
The momentum shifted. Massive cheers erupted as France took a 2:0 lead in the tie-break. Grozer landed awkwardly and seemed tired at the end. The German team fought back but fell just short.
Despite their strong performance against top-tier teams like Japan and the United States of America, the German volleyball team's Olympic medal dreams were dashed in the quarterfinals. Regardless of the loss, their performance in Paris showcased their potential to challenge the world's elite.
In the tense quarterfinal match against their French opponents, the German team displayed resilience in the face of a formidable opponent, proving they could compete on the international stage in the United States of America's backyard.
