Lausanne, Switzerland, July 19, 2017 - With both teams making their FIVB World Grand Prix debut in style this year, Hungary and France come head-to-head for the very first time in the history of the competition when they clash Saturday in Canberra for the first of the two Group 3 semifinals. However, the two teams have met before in other competitions, with France beating Hungary three times in four European Championship encounters - though the last time was 30 years ago. They also met in the 1952 FIVB World Championship in Moscow, with Hungary winning in four sets. Both Hungary and France are undefeated thus far in the 2017 World Grand Prix.
Head-to-Head• This is the first World Grand Prix meeting between these countries.
• They have met once at the World Championship. In 1952, Hungary defeated France 3-1.
• These countries have also met four times at the European Championships, with Hungary winning once and France three times.
• Their last meeting at the European Championship was in 1987, when France won 3-2.
• Both countries make their debut and are facing a European side for the first time at the World Grand Prix.
Hungary• Hungary have won all their World Grand Prix matches in their debut season (6 wins), like France have.
• The winner of this match will become the first ever to win their first seven World Grand Prix matches.
• Greta Szakmary is the best spiker in Group 3, with an average of 42%.
France• France have won all their World Grand Prix matches in their debut season (6 wins), like Hungary have.
• The winner of this match will become the first ever to win their first seven World Grand Prix matches.
• Alexandra Rochelle is by far the best receiver of Group 3. She is the only woman with an efficiency above 50% (53%).