France got the boot in the FIVB Men’s World Championship after the five-set loss to Argentina in pool play.
Benjamin Toniutti did his best to keep the tears from dropping moments after France surrendered a 28-26, 25-23, 21-25, 20-25, 15-12 loss to Argentina in the FIVB Men’s World Championship on Thursday, September 18.
The resistance was understandable.
Even after his team’s untimely exit from the competition, the French captain wanted to be a picture of composure.
“It was not for us today because we faced a really good team of Argentina which was mentally strong until the end,” said Toniutti.
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The back-to-back Olympic champs got their bearing going and recovered from two sets down to force a deciding fifth frame.
But Argentina’s resolve proved better as it diffused the French uprising to move on to the Round of 16.
“There’s a lot of surprise. I think the volleyball world is super high level now,” said the veteran setter, who mentioned favorites like Japan bowing out.
[ALSO READ: Luciano De Cecco, Argentina pull off gigantic scalp vs France in FIVB World Championship]
Asked whether he’s proud of the fight his team showed in the Worlds, Toniutti provided an ambiguous answer.
“I think it was important to continue to believe, to push, to go to the tiebreak. We didn’t take it. But from today I can say nothing about my teammates,” he said.