France's Jean Patry (R) spikes during during the Men's Volleyball Nations League match between France and Russia in Novi Sad, Serbia, on May 31, 2019. France won 3-1. (Xinhua/Predrag Milosavljevic)
BELGRADE, May 31 (Xinhua) -- In a tense match France outplayed Russia 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23 to mark victory at the start of the Week 1 of the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League in Novi Sad, Serbia on Friday.
Although the two teams started the match that lasted more than two hours with equal strengths, France profited from Russia's error's and won the first set.
The dramatic second set was resolved in France's favor again, after it broke the 20-20 deadlock.
Russia managed to take over the lead at 11-10 in the third set and held on to take one set back.
In the dramatic fourth set, France stayed strong, owing to their precise serves and strong defense, but also errors of their opponents.
France will take on Serbia on Saturday, while Russia will encounter Japan.
