05/07/2013 18:45
Romania survives five-set thriller with Turkey to pre-book final four spot
2013 CEV Volleyball European League - Women
Varna, Bulgaria, July 5, 2013. On Friday Romania edged out Turkey at the end of a dramatic game (3:2; 14-21, 21-23, 21-18, 21-15, and 15-13) where the players mentored by head coach Marian Constantin came back from two sets down to basically secure their spot in the final four of the 2013 CEV Volleyball European League – Women coming up next week in Varna.
Turkey started out strong comfortably claiming the first set and set the pace of the game also in the second (20:15) as Romania fought their way back. However, as soon as they had completed their comeback, the Romanians made a couple of mistakes thereby presenting their opponents with a reassuring 2:0 lead in sets. Romania did not lose composure and easily dominated set three and four before they went for the tie-break. Turkey caught a good start there (4:1) but after completing their chase at 13 all, Romania scored the next two points to bring it home and pocket their spot for the final stage of the competition. “We are very happy with this victory but still we need to remain very concentrated for our last game tomorrow against Hungary in order to finish the job as we wish to” said Romania’s mentor Marian Constantin after the game.
In the other match of the day hosts Bulgaria cruised past Hungary 3:1 (21-12, 21-12, 20-22, and 21-14). Though pre-qualified for the final four as organizers, Bulgaria did not show any mercy for Hungary easily pocketing the first and second set with the same score (21-12). However, Hungary stepped up in the third showing great defense play and could eventually call for a fourth set. That was nevertheless all for the guests as Bulgaria found back their best play to cruise to a speedy 21-14 and another victory waiting to play Turkey on Saturday to finish the prelims. “We played good for two sets but afterwards we relaxed and starting making silly mistakes” Bulgaria’s head coach Marcello Abbondanza stresses. “I hope we can improve because starting from tomorrow and then straight to the finals we have got the most important matches of the season ahead”.
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