Poland’s men’s volleyball team has earned a historic silver medal at the Olympic Games, making it to the final for the first time since 1976. Despite a strong effort, the Polish squad was unable to overcome the defending champions, France, losing 0-3 (19:25, 20:25, 23:25) in a match played before a lively home crowd. This silver medal is a milestone for Poland, representing the nation’s first Olympic team sport medal in 32 years.
The final match began with both teams showing early signs of nerves, resulting in several unforced errors, particularly in their serves. Poland struggled with their reception, which disrupted their offensive flow. A timeout by Polish coach Nikola Grbić momentarily shifted the momentum, with Huber delivering an ace to narrow the score gap. However, France quickly regained control, closing out the first set with a powerful spike by Jean Patry, as Poland’s errors proved to be a significant setback.
In the second set, Poland returned with renewed vigour, taking an early two-point lead. France responded with a timeout, but Poland, driven by Bartosz Kurek, maintained pressure through strong middle attacks. Yet, the momentum shifted again as Patry led France to a 13-12 lead. Despite a brief rally from Poland, France’s Trevor Clevenot secured crucial points late in the set, giving the hosts a decisive two-set advantage.
The third set saw France continue to assert their dominance, effectively neutralizing Poland’s attacks with strong blocks and excellent overall play. Grbić’s substitutions briefly put Poland ahead at 16-14. However, France quickly equalized, with Patry and Quentin Jouffroy’s serves pushing them to a 23-19 lead. Although Poland attempted a late comeback, inspired by Wilfredo Leon’s serves, their efforts ultimately fell short as Leon’s final serve hit the net, sealing France’s victory.
𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗷𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘀𝗸𝗶 𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗭𝗘𝗠 𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗝𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗠 ❗️
— POLSKA SIATKÓWKA (@PolskaSiatkowka) August 10, 2024
Panowie, jesteśmy z Was dumni 🥰#teamPL #Paryż2024
Francja-Polska 3️⃣:0️⃣ (25-19; 25-20; 25-23)
📸 Polska Siatkówka / @connykurth pic.twitter.com/7bCR22zqa4
France successfully defended their Olympic gold from Tokyo, winning on home turf, while the United States took the bronze. For Poland, the silver medal is a significant achievement, highlighting their first appearance in an Olympic volleyball final in nearly five decades.
France – Poland 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-23)