Press release

France defeated easily Egypt 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 15-25, 25-15) at the start of FIVB Men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Sofia. Earvin Ngapeth was the lighthouse of Philippe Blain's team scoring 18 and leading his teammates to victory. Egypt had a chance in the second set and failed to keep advantage in the third to stay in the match.

France beat Egypt three times 3-0 before this match: the record was set with victories in the World Cup 2003, the World Championship 1978 and World Championship 1974.

France coach Philippe Blain: "A number is enough to comment a match which was not good: a total number of 63 opponents' errors. But we made a good victory. For us tomorrow will be kind of final against Bulgaria and I hope to win this match".

Egypt coach Elshemerly Sherif: "We didn't prepare well for a lot of reasons and we really tried to play well but we are not in a good shape. Because of political problems in Egypt, from January we have only played two matches. I hope step by step to improve our game and we will do our best to win the next match".

Bulgaria started FIVB Men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Sofia with an easy win over Pakistan. The Asian team was considered absolute outsider but bravely challenged more classy team of the hosts. However, the difference between the debutant on Olympic Qualifications and Bulgaria was too huge to be narrowed - 3:0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-21). Pakistan never played any of the teams seeded in Sofia tournament.

"We are pretty satisfied of our victory today" said Vladimir Nikolov, Bulgaria captain. "It was important for us to save our physical and psychological strength for the next match against France. However, I believe Pakistan played really well taking into account their current world ranking".

Hussain Mazhar Hassan, coach of Pakistan: "This is our very first time playing in an Olympic qualification and I think the Bulgarian players were very good. My team is really young and they did their best but the difference between Bulgaria and our team is just too big".

Tomorrow (Saturday) what is foreseen as the most exciting match of the tournament is scheduled at 20.30. Hosting team Bulgaria is facing France and no more tickets are available. Bulgaria has a win-loss matches record of 20-13 against France, including the European Championship. However things have changed since the 2004 World League, with France having won six of the 11 contests including the last a 3-2 win at the 2010 World Championship.

The match will be anticipated at 17.30 by Egypt facing Pakistan.