Earvin Ngapeth scores with one of his powerful services against the Mexican defence
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 9, 2016 – France defeated Mexico in straight sets 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-22) in a match of Pool A of the men’s volleyball tournament at Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Tuesday.
It was the first victory for the French side that lost to Italy in opening day, while Mexico suffered its second loss.
The French team almost completely dominated the Mexican side that didn’t show the same battling attitude demonstrated against Brazil two days earlier.
The winners outclassed their opponents 40-31 in attacks, 4-1 in serves and 7-3 in blocks. They also gave away fewer points in unforced errors 17-24.
Antonin Rouzier and Earvin Ngapeth each had 13 points as the scoring leaders for France, with Rouzier showing better percentage in attacks. Kevin Tillie and Nicolas LeGoff chipped in with 9 and 8 points in the win.
Jorge Barajas was the top scorer for Mexico with 11 points, including two blocks and one ace, while Daniel Vargas and Samuel Córdova finished with 8 and 7, respectively.
France built a three-point lead at 9-6 in the first set with a big spike by Ngapeth and increased to 13-9 following the attack by Rouzier. Ngapeth scored with another spike for 16-11 and LeGoff closed the door 25-18.
France jumped to a 7-0 lead in the second set relying on their strong serves and good blocking. It was a predictable finish at 25-12.
The third set was close with Mexico trailing by just one point at 20-19. The French side won five of the next eight points played with Ngapeth sealing the triumph with a spike.