Ningbo, July 31 -- Defending champion France failed to advance to the semifinals after a 3-1
loss to Slovenia in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals today.
The teams had split previous encounters, with two-time Olympic gold medalist France sweeping Slovenia 3-0 during the Burgas leg of the VNL in late June.
However, Olympic debutant Slovenia edged host France 3-2 in a group match at the Paris Olympics last year.
The opening set was tightly contested. With the score tied at 12-12, Slovenia went on a strong serving run, scoring four straight points to pull ahead and eventually take the set 25-22.
France responded in the second set with improved attack efficiency and strong execution, quickl...