Tokyo, Japan, June 1, 2016 - It has been a while since Canada and France met at a major competition. However, this is about to change since they will face each other in the opening match of the fifth competition day at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Tokyo.
Head-to-head
• The last encounter between Canada and France at a major competition was at the 2004 World Olympic Qualification tournament in Tokyo, where France won in straight sets.
• These teams have met once at the Olympic Games. In Barcelona 1992, Canada won in straight sets. Canada eventually finished 10th, ahead of France (11).
Canada
• Canada can win three matches in a row at a World Olympic Qualification tournament for the first time.
• They are winless in their last six matches against CEV opponents at World Olympic Qualification tournaments (1996-present).
• Gavin Schmitt has scored a team-high 78 points at the 2016 World Olympic Qualification tournament, including 10 aces.
France
• France's 44-42 set win in their 3-1 victory against Australia was the highest score in a major competition since Brazil won the second set 44-42 in a 3-2 defeat against Canada in the 1999 World League.
• France have never suffered two defeats at a single World Olympic Qualification tournament. Last Sunday, they lost 3-2 against Poland.
• This will be France's 40th match in a major competition since the start of 2015. They have won 34 and lost five of the previous 39 matches.