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The Czech lions fought for sensational promotion into the quarterfinals. They defeated the Olympic champions without losing a set (22:25, 19:25, 32:34). In the final part of the game the Czech Republic used their ninth match point as fans in Ostrava went crazy.

Jan Galabov started the match with his serve. Thanks to the fan’s support the Czechs took an early lead 4:0. After Hadrava’s super spike (9:12) and Jan Polak’s ace (11:17) France realized that they were unable to stop their amazing opponent. However, the Olympic champions reduced the score difference (14:18) and the Czech coach took a time-out. France continued to fight and they almost equalized (22:23). Unfortunately for them, they made a mistake which meant two set points for the Czech team. Adam Bartos’s successful block pleased all home fans in Ostravar Arena as Czechs won the opening set.

Czech volleyballers continued in the same rhythm in the second part of the game. France equalized (8:8) and started a huge battle for every single ball. Jan Hadrava’s ace followed by Vasina’s precious attack meant regaining the lead (11:14). Hadrava was unstoppable today as his another super spike forced French coach to take a time-out. Though it didn’t help at all (16:21). This set was finished by a bad serve which ended in the net (19:25).

The beginning of the third set was quite equal (5:5, 7:7). France took the lead for the very first time after Jean Patry’s ace (9:7). Czech Republic turned the game around after a great Hadrava serve (13:14). Both teams played their best (22:22) though it was the French team that had the advantage of two set points (24:22). Novak took a time-out and it was crucial as three Czech points in a row meant first match point. Every time it was the same. France defended a Czech chance to win but suddenly they created another one. However they took the ninth chance to win this crazy match and sent Olympic champions back home (32:34).

Jean Patry, France opposite: “Czech players played extraordinary today and were pushed by amazing fans. Today’s result is a big surprise but we are not machines. I mean we are mentally and physically tired and then it can all be complicated.”

Jiri Novak, Czech coach: “After match like this I could probably talk a lot but I will be brief today. Although we won and performed great but that’s how it ends. We all know what happened after we defeated Slovenia and this mustn’t be repeated under any circumstances. We have to prepare ourselves for the next game and fight for every ball. We will see what the result will be.