FIVB World League - Week 4
BFISHINC
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 4 2001 - Italy, the winners of the 2000 FIVB
World League, must be beginning to wonder whether their home court in
Parma is jinxed, after they suffered another defeat in the
Intercontinental Round of the 2001 tournament on Friday night, this time
at the hands of France, a result which has thrown the outcome of Pool A
wide open, with just two weeks of matches remaining.
In a match which lasted nearly two hours, Italy secured the first set, but
then France took control of the match, as Frantz Granvorka began to take
control of the play, and Les Bleus went on to deal the second home defeat
to the Azurri of the qualifying tournament in Parma.
In the return game on Sunday night in La Spezia, Italy won 3-0 to restore
their group lead, but with Spain winning both their games against
Argentina, just three points separate the top three sides in the pool.
The 12th FIVB Volleyball World League involves 16 national teams competing
in four qualifying pools, with a record $15 million in prize money
available. The finals will be played in Katowice, Poland, later this
month, when, in the main, the leading two teams from each group qualifying.
Cuba, in Pool C, appear sure of their qualifying place, having maintained
their 100 per cent winning record with two victories in Japan at the
weekend. Since Olympic champions Yugoslavia managed to win both their
matches against Portugal, they confirmed their position in second place.
Greece remain the surprise package of the qualifying groups, and
underlined that by managing to win the first of their weekend doubleheader
in Russia, although the Russians – runners-up to Italy in the 2000 World
League final and Olympic silver medallists – managed to win the return
game. Greece remain top of Pool B, but are not yet certain to qualify. In
the same group, Poland hauled themselves back into contention in the same
qualifying group with two hard-fought wins in Venezuela.
In Pool D, the United States were unable to repeat their shock victory
over Brazil, who denied their American visitors as much as a set in the
course of their two matches at the weekend, with 15,000 spectators
cheering on the second game in the series. With the Dutch managing to win
their two matches against Germany, they overtake the United States to move
into second place in the group table, setting up a fascinating couple of
weeks’ competition before the teams for the Final Round are determined.
Pool D
Brazil beat U.S.A. 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-19) - duration 1:15
02-Jun, start time: 9:00, end time: 10:15 - Attendance: 8,562
Brazil beats up United States
The brazilian national team had no trouble to win the United States. With a
very strong serve, the brazilians finished with the americans reception.
Meanwhile, the United States had a lot attack errors. Stanley, one of the
principal american players, did not play so well as the last match in Colorado
Springs, and was replace by Wall in the first set. The changes made by the
american coach Doug Beal did not give results and Brazil achieved tis first
victoy at home.
Netherlands beat Germany 3-1 (25-19, 16-25, 25-23, 25-21) - duration 1:41
02-Jun, start time: 15:33, end time: 17:14 - Attendance: 3,806
Netherlands wins first match in Germany
Even fighting good Germany was not successful enough to win their first match
against the Netherlands.
Brazil beat U.S.A. 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23) - duration 1:30
03-Jun, start time: 10:00, end time: 11:30 - Attendance: 15,102
Brazil achieved its second victory against USA this weekend
Today's match was much more equilbrated than yestarday. The huge crowd that
went to Mineirinho Stadium could see exciting rallys, with some beautiful
defenses on both sides. While Brazil increased its error level, the United
States improved its attack a lot. With some experience help given by players
like Giovane the brazilian team recover from some difficult situations.
Athough Brazil did not serve so weel today and made more reception erros, USA
team kept on having trouble with its pass. Meanwhile Brazil did not dismissed
its contra-attacks opportunities and achieved its seven victory in the World
League.
Netherlands beat Germany 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-21, 30-28) - duration 1:45
03-Jun, start time: 11:03, end time: 12:48 - Attendance: 2,970
Even fighting good, Germany lost their second match against the Netherlands
Even Germany was close to win their first match in Germany during exciting sets
three and four, the Netherlands were too strong.
Pool A
France beat Italy 3-1 (28-30, 25-20, 25-20, 25-19) - duration 1:51
01-Jun, start time: 20:05, end time: 21:56 - Attendance: 4,650
Parma is not a lucky court for Italy.
France won the first match versus Italy and get the first place in Pool A, even
if Italy and France are first ex-aequo.
Italy had a best ratio. Good game for France, not the same for Anastasi's team.
France had literally dominated Italy.
This result is very important for Blain and the "blues".
Spain beat Argentina 3-1 (25-19, 25-23, 21-25, 25-22) - duration 2:02
02-Jun, start time: 18:15, end time: 20:17 - Attendance: 9,880
Spain beat Argentina
Spain beat Argentina in the playing the 12th Volleyball World League fourth
weekend in Buenos Aires, at the mithic Luna Park Stadium for group A.
Spain beat Argentina 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 22-25, 26-28, 15-12) - duration 2:17
03-Jun, start time: 18:35, end time: 20:52 - Attendance: 8,650
Spain protected its chance for the final
In an exiting five set match Spain had to fight very hard to bring a 2:0
leanding to an succesful end. An enthusiastic crowd pushed Argentina back to
the match.
Italy beat France 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18) - duration 1:19
03-Jun, start time: 18:35, end time: 19:54 - Attendance: 4,050
Italy takes his revenge over France after the defeat in Parma, playing a very
good match and winnin with a neat 3-0. With an aggressive pair such as Cisolla
and Bernardi, italian team never let France lead the match. Blain's team
accused a not brillliant day of his attack.
Pool B
Greece beat Russia 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23) - duration 1:39
01-Jun, start time: 18:00, end time: 19:39 - Attendance: 5,004
RUSSIA could not win GREECE at home
RUSSIA could not win GREECE at home and lost 1:3. It is already the third lost
of the Russian team and its chance to take part in the final round has been
reducing. Strong servises of GREECE players appeared a main factor of their
victory.
Poland beat Venezuela 3-2 (25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 23-25, 15-12) - duration 2:07
01-Jun, start time: 20:08, end time: 22:15 - Attendance: 11,800
POLAND UPSETS VENEZUELA IN CABIMAS
The Poland volleyball selection beat Venezuela 3 sets to 2, in the first set
Venezuela had problems in the serving and blocking and did not have answers to
Murek Dawid, who was the key for a 20-25 first set result. There was no
difference in the second set because Venezuela had once again problems in the
blocking and the reception causing another 20-25 set result for the visiting
selection. The host team, Venezuela woke up in the third set for a 25-22
result, and the fourth 25-23. The teamwork of he polish squad made the final
difference for a 12-15 fifth set result.
Russia beat Greece 3-1 (25-18, 25-21, 22-25, 25-13) - duration 1:32
02-Jun, start time: 16:00, end time: 17:32 - Attendance: 4,370
RUSSIA made requital match against GREECE and won 3:1 with convincing advantage
Spectators saw new style of the Russian team playing with strong service, block
and attack. They easily won two first sets. In the beginning of the third set
GREECE get an advantage due to their servers and managed to win the set.
Coaches made good changes in the line-up after lost 3-rd set and successfully
entered young players. In the fourth set the advantage of RUSSIA was undoubted.
Poland beat Venezuela 3-2 (25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 30-32, 16-14) - duration 2:11
03-Jun, start time: 19:06, end time: 21:17 - Attendance: 11,170
POLAND SWEEPS IN VENEZUELA
5 SETS (23-25,20-25,25-23, 32-30, and 14-16
Barquisimeto Domeattendance: 11,170
Poland swept Venezuela in Barquisimeto Dome, the polish selection was again
better in the blocking, making the key points to win the match, Piotr Gruszka
was the most consistent player in the visitor's squad causing tremendous damage
in Venezuela's reception and blocking. This was the fourth victory of the
Poland selection in this XII world league.
Pool C
Yugoslavia beat Portugal 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-15) - duration 1:02
01-Jun, start time: 20:15, end time: 21:17 - Attendance: 6,110
Expected Victory of the Yugoslav Team
In an excellent atmospher of Novi Sad Sports Hall "SPENS", Yugoslav Team
achieved expected victory over Portuguese Team.
First set was easily won by the YUG Team in only 17 minutes, but their
concentration fell and POR Team did everything to make it their chance. They
slowly regained themselves with the help of spectators to win the second set.
The third set started again with POR Team trying their best and a lowered
concentration of the YUG Team. They fought back to win it in a match that
lasted 62 minutes.
Cuba beat Japan 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23) - duration 1:12
02-Jun, start time: 16:05, end time: 17:17 - Attendance: 4,210
Tough game, Japan suffered a straight defeat by Cuban power and height.
Tough game, Japan suffered a straight defeat by Cuban power and height.
Cuba beat Japan 3-1 (22-25, 27-25, 26-24, 25-13) - duration 1:48
03-Jun, start time: 13:05, end time: 14:53 - Attendance: 5,740
Cuba defeated Japan by 3-1.
Sessaw game Cuba defeated Japan again.
Yugoslavia beat Portugal 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-18) - duration 1:07
03-Jun, start time: 20:15, end time: 21:22 - Attendance: 4,170
Easy Victory in a Frantic Hall of Podgorica
In an almost full hall of frantic spectators, Yugoslav Team easily won over
Portuguese Team who made so many mistakes.
POR tried very hard, as much as they could, to improve their reception, but the
experience of the YUG Team decided this match.
With the enormous support of the spectators, Yugoslavia succeeded in obtaining
the maximum result in 67 minutes.
Pool A
Rk Code Country Points Matches Sets Points
Won Lost Won Lost Ratio Won Lost Ratio
1 ITA Italy 14 6 2 19 10 1.900 676 619 1.092
2 FRA France 13 5 3 17 14 1.214 733 705 1.040
3 ESP Spain 11 3 5 15 18 0.833 711 743 0.957
4 ARG Argentina 10 2 6 11 20 0.550 693 746 0.929
Pool B
Rk Code Country Points Matches Sets Points
Won Lost Won Lost Ratio Won Lost Ratio
1 GRE Greece 14 6 2 19 13 1.462 738 715 1.032
2 RUS Russia 13 5 3 17 11 1.545 677 620 1.092
3 POL Poland 12 4 4 16 16 1.000 750 732 1.025
4 VEN Venezuela 9 1 7 10 22 0.455 656 754 0.870
Pool C
Rk Code Country Points Matches Sets Points
Won Lost Won Lost Ratio Won Lost Ratio
1 CUB Cuba 16 8 24 3 8.000 683 560 1.220
2 YUG Yugoslavia 14 6 2 19 7 2.714 643 529 1.216
3 JPN Japan 9 1 7 7 21 0.333 604 685 0.882
4 POR Portugal 9 1 7 3 22 0.136 470 626 0.751
Pool D
Rk Code Country Points Matches Sets Points
Won Lost Won Lost Ratio Won Lost Ratio
1 BRA Brazil 15 7 1 23 8 2.875 733 609 1.204
2 NED Netherlands 13 5 3 20 15 1.333 782 777 1.006
3 USA U.S.A. 12 4 4 13 17 0.765 658 707 0.931
4 GER Germany 8 8 8 24 0.333 692 772 0.896
Tim Simmons, BFishInc