2011 CEV Volleyball European Championship - Men

Vienna, Austria, September 18, 2011. Serbia was crowned European champion in Vienna at the end of a classy final match that with 9’750 spectators registered a record-breaking attendance for a Volleyball game in Austria. Italy was defeated in four sets (17-25, 25-20, 25-23, 26-24) with captain Ivan Miljkovic being absolutely outstanding and taking by the hand his young teammates for what was the well deserved climax of a memorable EuroVolley.
Serbia and Italy also claimed the two slots at stake to represent Europe at the FIVB World Cup scheduled for this coming November in Japan and where tickets will be assigned for the Volleyball tournament of the 2012 London Olympics.   

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The final game of the EuroVolley 2011 attracted a massive crowd at the “Wiener Stadthalle” with Italy and Serbia extending their rivalry although both teams have been totally rejuvenated in comparison with the past years. Luigi Mastrangelo and Ivan Miljkovic are the only guys who battled already in the beginning of the past decade as Italy and the Yugoslavia – later Serbia and Montenegro – were among the dominant forces of international Volleyball.

After playing a fantastic game with Poland in the semis, probably the best by an Italian national team in the past 5 or 6 years, the guys mentored by Mauro Berruto controlled the game in the opening set by dictating the tempo at both mandatory stops, once again with a lot of pressure resulting from their terrific serves and the block always well placed to stop the Serbian attackers.

The “Wiener Stadthalle” was completely packed this afternoon for the final act of the EuroVolley, mostly with Serbian fans having traveled directly from Belgrade or having settled in Vienna in the past. Italy coped pretty well with the tension that was to be perceived in the air (20:15) especially as the block was evidently a weapon that even Serbia had enormous problems to handle. Ivan Zaytsev aced to call for 7 Italian set balls and Cristian Savani scored another block to clip the first set of a final that was certainly going to deliver many more emotions and great actions. 

Serbia’s well known fighting spirit was back in the opening of set 2 (5:2) as the atmosphere was getting quite “hot” after a controversial call of the first referee. Luigi Mastrangelo did not care at all about the “boos” of the Serbian fans coming down from the stands as he pocketed two winning serves for his side to draw level at 5 all. Dragan Stankovic blocked Emanuele Birarelli – winner of the past three editions of the CEV Volleyball Champions League with Italy’s TRENTINO Volley – to stamp the 8:6 that asked for the first mandatory stop of the game.

Serbia gradually widened the gap (18:14) by using the same array of lethal weapons that Italy had unfolded in set 1; Marko Podrascanin was absolutely outstanding in blocking while Ivan Miljkovic looked like the diagonal player that any Volleyball team would dream of. The well-deserved 1:1 was finally there (20-25) after Italy averted two set balls and Michal Lasko served well off the court.

Serbia extended that great momentum also to the opening of set 3 (4:1) but Italy stormed back immediately anchored by its super athletic captain Cristian Savani (6:5). As his guys were trailing down 7:12, Berruto asked for a break in an attempt to stop the Serbian march and after a long chase they ultimately clipped the -1 on the scoreboard.

It was a game packed with continuous turnarounds but finally Savani chartered the 17 all that sent the Serbian team back to head coach Igor Kolakovic. Simone Parodi – on a single block – moved Italy to the front for the first time since the start of the set and some errors from the serving line followed before Podrascanin stopped Parodi for the 22:20 in favor of his side. Cristian Savani – whose popularity recently sky-rocketed even outside the Volleyball arena after he was featured in a couple of popular fashion and style magazines – accompanied his team as a real leader, spiking for the 23 all but a lucky ace of Mihajlo Mitic out-footed the Italians to seal the final 25-23 for Serbia. 

With the only exception being a tie at 13, Italy controlled the game all the way through in the fourth set, first opening the gap by moving from 5:3 to 9:5 always with a great help of Savani; as the Italian captain received a yellow card for his protests, Serbia almost leveled the count but Cristian stayed cool enough to ace for the 19:17 that restored the Italian leadership. Ivan Miljkovic was not agreeing with the scenario of a tie-break, the perfect climax for such a memorable Championship, and he turned the odds around once again (19:20). The “Wiener Stadthalle” was literally boiling and a winning serve of Milan Rasic let the Serbians see the finish line. It was not yet time to call for the winner, as Italy found back its best play to chart three in a row (22:21). Italy had a first set ball at 24:23 as Miljkovic spiked off the long line, but only a few seconds later an ace of Milos Terzic bounced the audience into heaven as Serbia claimed the European title 10 years after the then Yugoslavia had accomplished the same success in Ostrava.         

Final standings 

1. Serbia *  
2. Italy *
3. Poland
4. Russia
5. Slovakia
6. Bulgaria
7. France
8. Finland
9. Slovenia
10. Czech Republic
11. Turkey
12. Estonia
13. Belgium
14. Portugal
15. Germany
16. Austria

* Qualified for the 2011 FIVB Men’s World Cup in Japan 

In bold the teams already pre-qualified for the final round of the 2013 CEV Volleyball European Championship in Poland and Denmark  

Individual Awards 

MVP: Ivan Miljkovic (SRB)

Best Scorer: Maxim Mikhaylov (RUS)

Best Spiker: Maxim Mikhaylov (RUS)

Best Server: Bartosz Kurek (POL)

Best Blocker: Marko Podrascanin (SRB)

Best Receiver: Nikola Kovacevic (SRB)

Best Libero: Andrea Bari (ITA)

Best Setter: Dragan Travica (ITA)

Two years ago in Izmir Poland had caused quite a major sensation by striking gold at the European Championship and this afternoon there was one guy out there that will be certainly remembered as the match winner of the classification game against Russia played here in Vienna. Bartosz Kurek is only 23 years old, but already a real star who this afternoon won the personal duel with Maxim Mikhaylov, Russia’s greatest Volleyball player nowadays. With this bronze Poland adds an eighth medal to its showcase and this is certainly a great result also for Italian-born head coach Andrea Anastasi who accepted this past March the challenge to mentor this team with the main goal to claim a medal at next year’s London Olympics.

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After the major disappointment resulting from the semifinal matches played yesterday, Russia and Poland certainly wanted to round out their European campaign with a medal but with a big question mark still pending as all fans were extremely curious to see if their respective heroes still had some fuel reserve available, actually more mentally than physically.

As in yesterday’s game against Italy, Poland did not include in the starting six team captain Piotr Gruszka, who – after nursing an injury – is still far away from his best shape and could not help that much his side as Poland had embarked on a quest to defend their title from two years ago. On the other side of the net, head coach Vladimir Alekno opted for Sergey Grankin as his starting setter after Belarusian-born Alexander Butko had played for most of the time in the classy and breathtaking semifinal with Serbia.

Russia clipped a provisional mini-break right after the first technical time-out, moving up from 8:7 to 11:7, thereby forcing Poland’s head coach Andrea Anastasi to stop the game. With Bartosz Kurek – at only 23 years of age already the real leader of the group – Poland gradually got into the game but was promptly punished by Russian star Maxim Mikhaylov (16:13), one of the protagonists of the “FIVB Heroes” campaign which was associated also to the EuroVolley 2011.

Playing in front of Mr. Nikolay Patrushev, former President of the Russian Volleyball Federation and current Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, the guys in blue jerseys could not resist to Poland’s comeback with middle blocker Piotr Nowakowski drawing level at 17 for the joy of the many red and white fans attending the match at the “Wiener Stadthalle”.

The rivalry between Poland and Russia is a long-lasting one, in and off the Volleyball arena, and with the score staying extremely tight, the stars from both sides – Kurek and Mikhaylov – were very much likely to determine the final fate of the opening set. Two Russian errors contributed a couple of set balls for team “Polska”, Mikhaylov diverted one with his favorite diagonal spike but Kurek wrapped it up at 25-23.

All those who were afraid Russia would have slowed down after trailing down by one set were promptly contradicted as the second set extended that terrific battle, with the teams being separated only by one point at the first technical time-out (8:7 for Poland). A few minutes later Russia – well commanded by Grankin – was literally bombing the Polish defense from all angles of the court (21:15) but Anastasi got some kind of a reaction from his guys after giving a break to Gruszka and Mozdzonek, replaced by Jarosz and Kosok. However, the gap was too wide and Evgeny Sivozhelez could contribute the provisional 1:1 (25-18) with a splendid spike from the left wing.

Russia had stepped up in set 2 with a stellar ratio of efficiency in attack (54% vs. a mere 32% for Poland) and Mikhaylov – MVP of the World League finals in Gdansk this past July – continued his personal show also in the third set although Poland stayed tuned to maintain completely open the evolution of the game. The decision to change Gruszka for Jarosz turned into a profitable move for Anastasi as his opposite shook the Russian reception with his terrific serves right before the second technical break where Poland was setting the pace with a margin of two.

With Russia having to cope with the label of a team that has been barely winning any major competition in recent years in spite of its unique physical potential, Mikhaylov took his friends by the hand to go at least for bronze here at the EuroVolley 2011, but Poland profited of some errors to move up 22:18. The burden was too heavy even for the bright shoulders of the 23-year old star from the Leningrad Region and Kurek scored with a splendid pipe from the back row to seal the 2:1 for the 2009 champions.

In an attempt to bounce back coach Alekno changed his setter in set 4, hoping that Alexander Butko would have changed the negative trend for his side with some different offensive variations, but Poland was playing with good tempo and especially highly motivated to go for a bronze that would have been the eighth medal for this country in the history of the European Championship. It was once again a splendid fight opposing two young, but already excellent players, Mikhaylov and Kurek. Jakub Jarosz clipped the deciding break with his splendid serves (18:15); a double block of Kosok and Zygadlo stretched the margin to 4 before Kurek added two more points to his impressive personal tally (22:18). Michal Kubiak, certainly not the tallest out there on the court with his 191 cm, spiked from the back row before Kurek contributed a series of 6 match balls for the joy of the red and white crowd in attendance this afternoon in Vienna. And Bartosz – who else? – finished it off by finding a way through the Russian block to seal the 25-19 that bounced into heaven thousands of fans that had colored the “Wiener Stadthalle” making it look like one of the many sports halls that are always fully packed in Poland at any time it comes to elite Volleyball.

Vienna, Austria, September 17, 2011. Serbia will be challenging Italy tomorrow as the continental crown will be at stake in Vienna after the young players around captain Ivan Miljkovic got the upper hand this afternoon at the end of a splendid and really hard-fought match with pre-favorite Russia (3:2; 25-23, 17-25, 22-25, 33-31, 15-13). This will be a unique chance to break a long fast as the very last gold medal dates back to 2001 when the Yugoslavia – whose heir may be well considered the Serbian national team – edged Italy (what a coincidence!) in Ostrava. The second semifinal lived up to the extremely high expectations of all fans with a massive crowd – mostly Serbian-oriented – packing the stands of the “Wiener Stadthalle” for a game whose fate was decided by the fighting spirit of Miljkovic & Co. who diverted a couple of Russian match balls in a breathtaking fourth set.

Serbia and Russia were allegedly supposed to deliver a great show this afternoon for the many fans that had got together for the second semifinal of the EuroVolley 2011.

Russia – winner of the 2011 FIVB World League – definitely wanted to get its revenge after losing to Serbia at last year’s World Championship in Italy and with the terrific performances registered in the previous rounds of the EuroVolley in the Czech Republic, the tall guys mentored by Vladimir Alekno had all odds on their side. However, Serbia had also advanced to the semis with an almost immaculate record, as Miljkovic & Co. had conceded only two sets to their opponents from the prelims through the 1/4 finals.

After missing the goal of a top rank in quite many recent competitions, Russia got totally re-shaped by coach Alekno and initially looked like a wall also for the – still quite young – Serbian team captained by Ivan Miljkovic. Maxim Mikhaylov – who has been working with coach Alekno also in Kazan – propelled the Russian offense with his marvelous spikes and Russia’s leadership was not to be questioned for most of the opening set. Serbia – supported by many compatriots who have settled in Vienna in the past few years – fought bravely cutting the gap to -1 (15:16) before a block of Marko Podrascanin contributed the first tie at 18. The audience got totally crazy as Serbia turned the score around, mainly with the help of Podrascanin and Miljkovic, who aced for the 21:19; however, the final fate of the first set was far from being determined, as Russia clawed back to 21 all to set up all conditions for a thrilling final rush. Serbia piled up two set balls after a misunderstanding on the Russian side of the court with Milos Nikic silvering the second opportunity for the final 25-23.

Russia did not waste too much time to storm back with a splendid opening in set 2 (8:3, 11:6) but Serbia stayed tuned, showing all of the fighting spirit that the Serbians are known for. Still Russia enjoyed a comfortable margin by the second technical time-out (16:10) and with their always impressive blocks the guys in red jerseys extended their dominance up to the end (25-17) with giant Dmitriy Muserskiy (217 cm) standing out in this fundamental.

Two of the most decorated Volleyball schools in Europe continued their battle also in set 3 with Taras Khtey spiking from the wing to call for the first technical time-out (8:6). The Russian captain shot some real rockets from the serving line to widen the gap (10:6) but again Serbia was not keen to let it go and was able to get back on track trailing down only by 1 point before Nikola Kovacevic concluded the most spectacular rally of the set and Miljkovic pocketed the 11 all. The Russian machine changed gear once again right after the second technical time-out with Mikhaylov – one of the players featured in the “FIVB Heroes” promotional campaign – showing off his amazing cross-courts which are a great combination of power and technique. With 3 or 4 points to rely on, the Russian express marched convincingly towards a provisional 2:1 lead that eventually turned into reality after Alexander Volkov scored from the middle to clip four set balls and Khtey sealed the 25-22.

Serbia opened the operations in set 4 with the attitude that is expected from someone that has to fight hard for every single rally to stretch the game to the tie-break and continue its campaign for European glory, a result that would round out an already memorable season for all national teams – senior, junior and youth – representing the Balkan country internationally. After Serbia had set the pace 10:7, Russia leveled the count after a fault was whistled to Serbian setter Petkovic and a very much contested ball attacked by Miljkovic was considered out by first referee Bela Hobor.  A serious of ties followed up to 20 all before Serbia’s head coach Igor Kolakovic was forced into a time-out as Russia was dangerously dictating the pace at 22:20. After resuming the game, a net violation was initially whistled to Serbia but the rally was repeated after consulting the second referee; Miljkovic did not miss his chance to go for the -1 and a few seconds later he even doubled for the 22 all. As incredible as it may be, Miljkovic forced a block-out for the 24:23 but the set ball was diverted by a cross-court of Khtey. Denis Biryukov contributed a first match ball for the heirs of the Soviet school but Miljkovic did not agree with this scenario (25:25). A block of Dragan Stankovic called for the 26:25 but Nikic served into the net for the desperation of the Serbian fans. What a thriller, a plot a screenwriter could have only penciled, with Serbia eventually going for the decider with a crazy 33:31!

Still profiting of the stamina and energy resulting from this final rush Serbia opened in great fashion (4:1), Alekno changed setter with Grankin replacing Butko but the Serbian express was no more to slow down, with magnificent actions in defense accompanying the efforts in attack of Miljkovic and Kovacevic (10:6). Maxim Mikhaylov tried to re-light the Russian hopes but once again his side missed on a major final after already finishing only fourth two years ago in Turkey, with Serbia sealing the final 3:2 (15-13).

Ivan Miljkovic won the battle between of the diagonal players by totaling 28 points while Mikhaylov squeezed in with 25.

Vienna, Austria, September 17, 2011. Italy qualified this afternoon for the final act of the EuroVolley 2011 in Vienna with a majestic show of strength that 2009 champion Poland could not cope with. Italy cruised past with a speedy 3:0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-20) after playing a marvelous game, literally demolishing Poland’s reception from the serving line and dominating also at the net with the attacks of left-handed Michal Lasko and some terrific blocks of 36-year old Luigi Mastrangelo. The rejuvenated group mentored by head coach Mauro Berruto is back to the final game of the European Championship some six years after the home triumph in Rome and will be waiting for the winner of the second classy semifinal starring Serbia and Russia to go for the crown on Sunday at 6 pm.

Italy and Poland have been developing a long-lasting rivalry with the last couple of matches played this past summer ending up in favor of the guys mentored by Mauro Berruto but with a spot for the final of the EuroVolley 2011 being at stake these sides were re-starting this afternoon from “tabula rasa”. Andrea Giani – one of the stars from Italy’s golden era – recently started cooperating with the team as second assistant coach and questioned about the possible outcome of the match, he also agreed that the past results were not going to count at all as emotions and pressure were certainly going to have an influence on the game held at the splendid “Wiener Stadthalle”.   Italy caught a good start (4:2) but Poland clawed back to quickly draw level at 4; as they embarked on a quest to get back to their stellar standards from the ‘90s, the Italians had traveled to the venues of the EuroVolley 2011 with a very rejuvenated roster, including three guys – Travica, Lasko and Zaytsev – who do not have Italian roots but whose Volleyball career has unfolded almost entirely in the boot-shaped peninsula.   Poland got to the front for the first time by the first technical time-out (7:8) supported by a few thousands of fans – as usual well equipped with their flags or red and white gadgets – but powered by veteran Luigi Mastrangelo, Italy got back control of the operations for what was definitely going to be a very tight game. Italy enjoyed a very narrow margin (16:14) as the game re-started after the second technical time-out. With Mastrangelo and Lasko – this was certainly a very special match for this guy as he was born in Wroclaw before moving to Italy – dictating the tempo, Italy approached the final rush of the set with a small cushion of 2 points (22:20) and Poland’s head coach Anastasi – who had been mentoring Italy up to last year’s Worlds – briefly stopped the game to get his guys together and attempt a comeback. Italy got closer to the finish line via a serving error of Jakub Jarosz (23:21) before captain Cristian Savani called for three set balls with a terrific ace. The first opportunity for Italy was averted by Poland and coach Berruto also took a short break to cool his players down but they did not have to work too hard to pocket the provisional 1:0 as Michal Kubiak helped out with another serving error.       

Although they were missing three of their best players – Wlazly, Zagumny and Swiderski – the 2009 European champions were certainly not going to bury their hatchet that quickly and with Piotr Gruszka far from his best shape, much responsibility was given to Bartosz Kurek, the wing spiker that some years ago had debuted with the national team as a sixteen-year old young boy. However, Poland lacked consistency and Italy opened a gap quite early in the second set (10:6) always well commanded by setter Dragan Travica and the impressively athletic Cristian Savani. As Italy’s efficiency in defense dropped down Poland cut the gap (12:10), coach Berruto replaced Zaytsev with Simone Parodi but a spike of Michal Lasko that fell well off the court contributed the -1 on the scoreboard. To the delight of their many fans, the heirs from the players that dominated the international arena back in the ‘70s leveled at 13 all. Savani re-started the Italian march with an ace for the 17:15 but Parodi – back after nursing a serious injury – sent it too wide thereby missing what would have been a well needed 3-point lead. Italy’s defense was nevertheless clipping again very impressive ratios of efficiency while left-handed Lasko was literally bombing his opponents with terrific diagonal spikes (22:18). Another late comeback of Poland was avoided by the Italians whose team work was really impressive, thereby demonstrating that coach Berruto has totally re-shaped a group that last year had disappointed by failing to medal at the home World Champs in Rome (25-21).

By this time it was already an “all-or-nothing” game for Poland and Kurek assumed the role of the real leader of the team coached by Anastasi; he even aced for the provisional 9:6 but it was still an uphill climb for the 2009 European champions as Italy immediately responded with a winning serve of Savani. Although Poland had set the tempo for the opening of the set, Italy’s swift reaction was quickly propelled by a combination of great serves, terrific blocks and spectacular attacks, primarily scored by Lasko. By the second mandatory stop Italy had already restored its rule (16:14) and the Italian fiesta was completed by a clear 3:0 victory, with the “Azzurri” back in the final game of the Champs six years after their home triumph in Rome. 

Lasko top scored for Italy with 17 points while Savani finished with 16, including 3 aces.

In the second play-off match the Czech team encountered the 2009 European champions – the Poland, defending their title from Turkey. The Czech Republic surpassed that time´s result (16^th place in the pool) and played up to the spectators´ expectations the role of a difficult opponent.

 The first set reflected an even game in all the basic skills allowing for no mistakes. In the lead as far as 11-11, the Czechs applied quality serves performed by Peter Platenik and varying side and diagonal spikes. Then, a row of even scores followed at 14-14, 16-16, 18-18 and 20-20. Poland then gathered their hitters and used out Czech unforced mistakes on the block and in the field to fix the score to 21-24. Although the hosts summoned all the strength and averted 3 setballs, they did not withstand the fourth one and the final score was 23-25.

Czech players left out space for Polish hitters to reach the score 0-5. Both sides of the court in the thrilling match showed equilibristics in the back court and in the attack. Lukáš Ticháček fired the team with his serves to 5-5. Stokr was gunning down Polish blocks with his side spikes. In the Polish colors, Ruciak starred at the serve. Close in the score did both teams climb to the score 22-22. Despite the Polish time-out, the final moments belonged to the Czech team and his ace at 25-22.

The volleyball drama continued though the set start looked like a peaceful glide of the Czech team to 16-10, respectively 20-16. At that moment, Polish blocks put on force and Kubiak´s serves were the basis of 5 Polish points. Point by point, ball by ball, the Czech were unable to finish off the third set with five setballs in their hands. The third set was complete in 37 minutes at 29-31.

Precision play of the Polish team, primarily by Marcin Mozdzonek and Bartosz Kurek, gave Poland a steady advantage of 4-5 points. Polish players succeeded in scoring a matchpoint at 18-25.

Ondrej Hudecek, Czech captain: “I think the turning point was the third set when we were leading by six points and we lost it in the end. Throughout the tournament we haven´t found our blocks. And against Poland we needed them.” 

Jan Svoboda, Czech coach: “Congratulations to Poland. They were simply a better team today.” 

Polish captain Piotr Gruszka: “We knew what team we were going to meet. Recently we have lost to them. On their grounds it was supposed to be a difficult game. There were two crucial moments, in my opinion: the score 21-18 in the second set when we lost. The second one was when the Czechs were leading 20-16 and we turned it and won it. Now it is history. For players it means concentration and for coaches it means tactics to go ahead to final four.” 

Polish coach Andrea Anastasi: “I am very happy with the result. Czechs will be staying at home.”

Czech Republic – Poland 1:3 (23-25, 25-22,29-31,18-25)

Italy beat Finland in 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 29-31, 25-21). The „Suomi“ seemed to suffer from their short relaxtion time and needed two sets to get rid of their tiredness from yesterday’s Playoff Match. In the end, one claimed set was the maximum for Finland.

Finland’s prayers went unanswered in the first set – Italy got over their their troubles in the begin of the matches and started without any problems. So Finland wanted to prove at any cost, that they had recovered from their yesterday’s five-set thriller against Slovenia. Especially in the big points Italy had the better end and therefor they took the early lead (14-11). Later in the set Italy made no move to fall back and eventually extended their distance to Finland (20-13). At this time Finnish Coach Daniel Castellani began to change his lineup, but there was no outcome (18-25).

In the second set Finland’s starting lineup included three new players – just the Oivanen-twins and mastermind Mikko Esko stayed on court. Also risk on service was increased by Finland. Till the second technical time-out (16-15) it seemed to pay off, when Italy increased the pace. Immediately they pulled clear (21-16). Like in the first set, Italy left no doubts on their win and sealed the deal (25-20.)

„All or nothing“ was Finland’s device in the third set. While Italy seemed to get too confident, Finland succeeded in mobilizing their last reserves (11-6). Italian captain Cristian Savani even earned a yellow card (12-6) after not respecting a referee’s call. But this action galvanized his teammates and brought Italy back on track (9-12). As the set continued Italy came closer and closer (17-18) and finally balanced the score (21-21). Italy’s first lead was equivalent to their first match ball (24-23). But the finnish players fought back and prevented Italy’s victory four times before they converted their third opportunity (31-29).

Finland seemed to have overcome their tiredness in the begin of the fourth set, when they suffered another setback (8-12). Despite big finnish efforts, Italy didn’t let Finland advance towards and converted ist fifth match ball to qualify for the semifinals (25-21).

Italy’s captain Cristian Savani contributed 22 points to his team’s win. Mikko Oivanen was again topscorer for Finland (17).

 Italy’s coach Mauro Berruto outspoke his respect for Finland’s performance. „We have to be honest – the schedule was an obvious advantage for us. But they played really good, so weh ad to fight hard. After we lost the third set, we mentally overcame the situation very well.“

 Finnish Coach Daniel Castellani didn’t want to complain about the schedule and explained some other reasons for his team’s defeat. “In my opinion Italy’s has better abilities in servicing and blocking. Moreover, they are able to convert their counter attacks more efficiently.”

 Cristian Savani said that his team had started the match with a high level of concentration. „We were really focused and I think that made it easier for us. This time we didn’t have to run after a residue. Still it wasn’t an easy match for us.“

Almost two sets France looked like the sure winner of Wednesday’s first Playoff Match in Vienna. With the back to the wall, Turkey came up and tried to recover from a 0-2 deficit. France kept their nerves and won 3-1 (25-19, 25-23, 19-25, 25-21).

Business as usual for the „Bleus“ in the first set. Despite playing their first set in the „Wiener Stadthalle“ after having moved to Vienna from Innsbruck, France started amazingly again (8-2, 14-9). Like the matches before, Philipp Blain’s team brought themselves in troubles only  in the middle of the set, when Turkey achieved a 5:0 mini-break (15-16). Turkey even had the chance to turn the set (18-19). Especially France’s topscorer Earvin Ngapeth (21) seemed to have an objection against Turkey’s intention (25-19).

As the second set had started, Turkey eventually displayed the necessary aggressiveness for a Playoff match and suddenly played on France’s level (16-14). During the crucial phase of the set, France was able to accelerate the pace and force some mistakes of Turkey (20-16). After having missed two set balls (24-23), France finally sealed the deal. (25-23).

When you lose two sets, it sounds crazy to speak from an upward trend. But in Turkey’s case it was the truth. The close second set, seemed to having created confidence in the turkish minds. After a very balanced begin (14-14), they overtook the control and suddenly led 5 points (22-17). France knew that they were beaten and started saving energy for the following set (25-19).

In the begin France’s strategy was going according to the plan (7:3) and seemed to pay off. But Turkey were able to shorten the distance to France to two points (19-21), but failed to close the gap.

Earvin Ngapeth top-scored for France (21), followed by Nicolas Marechal (15). Serhat Coskun scored 22 points for Turkey.

French Coach Philipp Blain was very happy with the result. “Winning this game was the most important thing for us. Another big thing is, that our substitues really helped the team today and proved their abilties.”

Although Turkey lost their game, Veljko Basic, Coach of Turkey, was satisfied with his team’s performance. “All in all, we have to admit that France played with higher quality than us. We finished with a good game and this makes me confident for the future.”

 Pierre Pujol, France’s captain highlighted the importance of a well-balanced team. „This competion spans over a long period and we have to play a lot of matches. Our substitues really did a good job today.“

 Turkish top-scoring player Serhat Coskun wasn’t as satisfied as his coach. „I think we made a lot of stupid mistakes today. The communication on court needs to be better to win matches like this.”