Prague, Czech Republic, September 11, 2011. Although the O2 Arena was once again packed with fans dressed in red and white, Poland could not repeat yesterday’s classy performance and eventually suffered a setback to Bulgaria that got its share of redemption for Saturday’s defeat to Slovakia.
Poland started the game magnificently and was one of a kind for the first set that was sealed with the score of 25-19. Bulgaria got finally rid of all tensions and fears in set 2 and with some great play in attack drew level for the provisional 1:1. After that it looked like Poland’s concentration had completely gone and the team trailed down for the remainder of the match. Head coach Andrea Anastasi changed his line-up almost entirely but Bulgaria could celebrate its win after exploiting a second match ball.
“Bulgaria played an excellent game” admitted Anastasi. “We have a tough match with Slovakia tomorrow and we have to be fully concentrated to play better than we did today”.
“I am glad that after losing the first set we started playing differently. We were really focused and that contributed this victory” added Bulgaria’s mentor Radostin Stoytchev. “I do not agree with Piotr Gruszka who says that our service was good, as we can perform and do much better”.