Reigning two-time Olympic champions France needed only an hour and change to overwhelm South Korea in their Pool C match at the FIVB Men’s World Championship.
France made sure not to beat around the bush and scored a resounding opening win over South Korea, 25-12, 25-18, 25-16, in Pool C of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The reigning two-time Olympic champions were the heavy favorites and rightly so, with the French spikers flaunting much more experience — and firepower — than their opponents on the other side of the net.
[RELATED: Olympic champion France makes quick work of South Korea in FIVB Worlds opener]
From the first set, France hit the ground running with an 18-minute conquest, taking the advantage early with a breezy 25-12 win.
In set 2, France rode a pivotal 7-1 run after South Korea made things interesting, tying the count at 10-all after an attack from Im Donghyeok.
Jean Patry led the cavalry as he scored on an attack to make it a six-point advantage for the French, 17-11.
France’s dominance continued in the third set, where the Olympic champs started 3-0 and controlled the pace from there.
France celebrates after scoring a point against South Korea during their Pool C match at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
‘Have fun and take pleasure’
Though it seemed that France was hardly challenged, Patry said that they were wary of South Korea and had to keep themselves focused on what matters on the court — especially as they also need to let loose and enjoy themselves.
“I’m happy because we know this game will be a challenge for us, but we just need to have fun and take pleasure in the game at the beginning of the competition,” Patry said.
“It was very important for us to play well today and try to do our best,” he continued.
Patry finished with 16 points to be the only player in double-digit scoring. Trevor Clevenot and Nicolas Le Goff added nine and eight markers, respectively, for France.
South Korea stalwart Heo Subong was the lone bright spot for their team as he finished with nine points.
The French will eye another victory when they face Finland in their second game of the tournament on Tuesday, September 16, still at the Araneta Coliseum.
Korea, meanwhile, tangles with Argentina in the earlier game at the same Quezon City venue.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.