EuroVolleyW 2023: Les Bleues off to flying start in Tallinn
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EuroVolley has returned to Tallinn two years after a memorable and highly successful men’s competition. The sense of anticipation was high in Estonia’s capital city for the home team’s debut and their matchup with France. After a very rough start to the game, Estonia put up much more of a fight in the subsequent sets – but the Silver League gold medallists still ended up losing in straight sets to France (25-8, 25-19, 25-21), with Les Bleues cementing their status as a potential contender for one of the top spots in Pool D.
After a truly mesmerising light show and video mapping that certainly captured the attention of the fans watching from the crowded stands at UNIBET Arena as well as from the comfort of their homes, the Estonian fans did join a moving a-cappella rendition of the national anthem performed by former Eurovision Song Contest participant Birgit Õigemeel.
As if they were feeling the inevitable pressure associated with such a much-anticipated home debut, Estonia had a very rocky start to the match, losing many points in a quick succession, which resulted in a landslide 25-8 score in favour of this year’s FIVB Challenger Cup winners. However, with an extra boost of energy and the good vibes provided by their passionate fans, Estonia rose to the occasion and eventually edged ahead in the early stages of the second set. Even though they put up much of a fight, the hosts found themselves trailing as the decisive phase of the set approached – and France lowered the number of unforced mistakes to double their lead in the match (25-19).
With the pressure stemming from playing in such a special environment finally gone, as their Italian-born head coach Alessandro Orefice rightfully pointed out during the extended break following completion of the second set, Estonia resumed their quest for home glory by securing a small lead in set 3, which they did still hold onto by the score of 17-15. France flipped the charts with three unanswered points before a bit of drama unfolded – keeping the Estonian audience almost standing on their feet. France scored when it mattered the most and eventually celebrated a well-deserved 3-0 victory to start their campaign on a high note.
Lucille Gicquel“This is the best way to start a European Championship with a victory and maximum three points even though I would say that we relaxed a bit too much after taking the first set so easily. We have a young team and we have been working a lot to raise the level and status of women’s Volleyball in France – but we take it step by step as we will do in this competition as well, where we hope to grow with each match.”
Opposite hitter of Team France and match top scorer with 13 points
The competition in Pool D will continue on Thursday with Finland playing Slovakia – and the local organisers expect many fans from their neighbouring country to fill up the stands after a short journey by boat lasting for about two hours from Helsinki across the Gulf of Finland – before group favourites the Netherlands play Spain later in the evening. The Dutchwomen are the only team in Pool D that contested earlier this year the elite FIVB Volleyball Nations League – which today’s winners France are due to join in 2024 following their success in the Challenger Cup contested earlier this summer.
