Poland and France set to clash in European volleyball final for gold and Olympic berth

In the semifinals of the European volleyball championship, Poland secured a three-set victory over Slovenia, while France dispatched Finland with a 3-1 scoreline. The Saturday final will recreate the Paris Olympic final, offering Poland a chance to avenge its 0-3 loss to the host nation in the capital. France also previously eliminated Poland in Tokyo, before winning Olympic gold days later.

Historically, the two sides have met only once in a European final, in 2009 in Izmir, where Poland won 3-1, and again three years ago in Rome, when Poland beat Italy 3-0. Coach Nikola Grbić’s Polish team, now holding a European Championship medal, aims for gold and an Olympic ticket, with the bronze match between Finland and Slovenia scheduled four hours earlier.