World champions Poland have finished third at the 2019 men's European Volleyball Championship ©EuroVolley

World champions Poland have finished third at the 2019 men's European Volleyball Championship after defeating co-hosts France in straight sets in Paris. 

Although the match was tighter than the 3-0 scoreline might suggest, the 2009 European champions triumphed in under an hour and a half, winning 26-24, 25-22, 25-21 at the AccorHotels Arena. 

Wilfredo Leon Venero top scored with 18 points, while team-mate Michał Kubiak pulled his weight and chipped in with 14.

For France, Earvin Ngapeth was the stand-out with 18 points on his own, but it ultimately proved to be in vain.

The match was tighter than the 3-0 scoreline suggested with Poland beating France for the bronze medal ©EuroVolley
The match was tighter than the 3-0 scoreline suggested with Poland beating France for the bronze medal ©EuroVolley

It meant that France, in front of around 7,000 home fans, finish the competition without a medal.

Poland, meanwhile, secure their best finish at a European Championship since finishing third in 2011.

It will still be viewed as a disappointment for the nation which won the men's world title last year.

The same Arena is also due to host the final tomorrow, when Slovenia face Serbia for the gold medal.