France successfully defended its title at the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship, triumphing over Poland in a thrilling comeback victory. Concurrently, Spain secured the bronze medal after a hard-fought five-set match against Iran. The prestigious tournament concluded on Sunday at Yunnusobod Hall in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
France`s Resilient Path to Gold
Despite dropping the opening set, France showcased remarkable resilience, dominating the subsequent sets to defeat Poland 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-12). This powerful finish sealed their second consecutive gold medal.
Andrej Jokanovic reflected on their initial struggle: “In the first set, I wasn’t fully engaged, and as a team, our performance wasn’t up to par. However, in the second set, we reminded ourselves that this was the final, the match we had been anticipating our entire lives. We knew we had to elevate our game. We executed some excellent plays and won crucial rallies, which built collective momentum. This, in particular, helped me to complete those key rallies and finish strong, significantly boosting my confidence for the remaining three sets.”
Jokanovic was pivotal in France’s victory, scoring a game-high 24 points from 17 attacks, four blocks, and three aces. Captain Noa Duflos Rossi also contributed significantly with 20 points, including 15 kills, four blocks, and three aces. Their dominant all-around play overshadowed the commendable efforts of Poland’s Maksymilian Lyson (15 points) and Oskar Trawka (13 points).
Match Progression: France vs. Poland
The opening set remained intensely contested until Poland seized a crucial advantage late in the game, capitalizing on a service error by Duflos Rossi and a well-placed serve by Trawka to secure a 25-22 win. Trawka notably scored seven points in this set, including two aces.
France found their rhythm in the second set, establishing an 18-15 lead through sharper attacks and improved net defense. Although Poland narrowed the gap to 22-21, Jokanovic and Duflos Rossi delivered under pressure. Consecutive blocks by the French captain against Lyson sealed the set 25-22, decisively shifting momentum in France’s favor.
In the third set, France quickly took control, surging to a 6-2 lead they never relinquished. Jokanovic skillfully navigated the Polish block, while France’s defense stifled any counter-attacks. A dominant 25-15 victory brought the defending champions within one set of retaining their title.
The fourth set was a commanding display by France, who stormed to a 12-5 lead. Their attacking was flawless, complemented by relentless defense. Jokanovic and Duflos Rossi continued to dominate the final rallies, with the captain securing the last two points – a clever back-tip followed by a sharp swing off the block – to complete a resounding 25-12 win and clinch the championship.
France concluded the match with impressive overall statistics: 55 attacks, 17 blocks, and five aces. This victory adds a second gold medal to their Boys’ U19 collection, complementing a previously earned bronze.
“We played exceptionally well throughout the tournament, allowing us to overcome many strong teams,” stated France captain Duflos Rossi. “I am incredibly happy, but this achievement is entirely due to my team. Volleyball is a collective sport; we are united, and we win together. Naturally, there was immense pressure in a World Championship final. All teams reaching this stage are formidable. We simply outplayed Poland, wanted it more, and ultimately, we won.”
Spain Claims Bronze After Grueling Battle
Earlier in the day, Spain concluded its impressive campaign by securing the bronze medal, overcoming Iran in an intense five-set encounter (23-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-21, 15-10).
Cesar Irache delivered an outstanding individual performance, exploding for 38 points (35 kills, 3 blocks). His stellar play single-handedly powered Spain to their second-ever podium finish in the tournament’s history. Iran took the first set, driven by Mohammad Amin Rahimi’s late offense. However, Spain quickly regrouped in the second, propelled by a strong start and a decisive long rally finished by Irache, which leveled the match.
Match Progression: Spain vs. Iran
Iran regained control in the third set with more consistent attacking. Yet, Spain rallied in the fourth, with Irache again pivotal in swinging momentum through key hits, establishing a 23-20 lead. A service error from Iran concluded the set, forcing a decisive fifth. Spain carried their momentum into the final set, leading 8-4 at the side switch and maintaining their advantage through Irache’s effective right-side attacks. Despite a late Iranian ace, it wasn`t enough, and a final service error sealed the match for Spain.
“Winning the bronze medal with this team and seeing Spain on the podium for the second time is an incredible feeling,” remarked Irache. “Finishing third is one of the best experiences of my life. In this match, I gave my absolute best, supporting the team wherever needed. If things weren`t going well, I`d tell my teammates to focus on good receives, and I`d try to score. My coach didn’t give me any special instructions; this was purely a collective effort, and we acted as one.”
Classification Matches Overview
Italy secured fifth place by defeating Bulgaria 3-1 (21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-20), recovering from a first-set loss. Andrea Giani and Federico Argano led a balanced team effort, contrasting with Bulgaria’s reliance on Zhasmin Velichkov, who scored 25 points.
For seventh place, Finland ended their losing streak with a 3-1 victory over Korea (25-19, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21). Viktor Viljamaa and Kasper Vesanen combined for 33 points, with Finland’s robust blocking and serving holding strong against Korea’s third-set resurgence.
China claimed ninth place, edging Brazil 3-0 (27-25, 25-21, 26-24). Yu Xiang and Hu Hanlin contributed 30 points together, and China’s superior blocking and service pressure were key in closing out two tight sets.
Belgium secured 11th place with a commanding serving performance in their 3-1 win over Argentina (25-19, 25-23, 24-26, 25-19). Guilhem Hubert was outstanding, scoring 29 points, including six aces. Argentina struggled for consistent support beyond Samuel Guidi Correa’s 16-point contribution.
Pakistan swiftly asserted control, defeating hosts Uzbekistan 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-18) to finish 13th. Muhammad Yahya led with 14 points, while their defense effectively limited Shokboz Mamayusufov to nine points.
In the match for 15th place, the United States narrowly overcame Japan in a gritty five-setter (20-25, 25-16, 25-15, 23-25, 15-12). Grant Lamoureux and Roman Payne were crucial in this final push, combining for 33 points and nine blocks.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood