Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, September 12, 2011. Estonia – quite surprisingly – downed Portugal this afternoon in Karlovy Vary in straight sets and with this result historically qualified for the next phase of the EuroVolley. Estonia had joined the final round of the European Championship for the first time two years ago in Turkey but there the guys in blue jerseys had failed to make it through the prelims. This afternoon they displayed a classy performance to see off Portugal, winner of the 2010 European League.

Estonia’s offensive weapons Oliver Venno and Ardo Kreek contributed a 15:10 lead in the opening set but Portugal hit back with 6 in a row via Flavio Rodolfo Cruz and Valdir Sequeira. As his team was trailing down 19:22, Ardo Kreek took his team by the hand and Estonia finally turned the odds around for the 25-23.

Estonia showed a different face in set 2, being merciless and attacking with great power from every angle of the court. The guys in blue maintained a comfortable lead throughout the set whereas Portugal did never really get into the game (25-17).

The winners of the 2010 European League hit back strongly in the third set but the turning point came after a tie at 9 all, as Estonia’s star Oliver Venno started his personal show. Portugal tried to stay tuned but the match ended in a 3:0 for the guys from Tallinn, who hence qualified for the next phase of the competition.  

Estonia’s captain Kert Toobal commented: “Our goal was to qualify for the next round. We had been practicing for the complete summer to get ready for such a deciding match. And what worked today? Apart from our good performance, I assume our opponents must have been tired after two difficult matches. We hope to do our best in the next game against one of the teams coming from Prague”.