Skopje, FYR of Macedonia, July 9, 2014.  Just three days after completing the pool stage of the 2014 CEV Volleyball European League - Men, the men’s national team of FYR of Macedonia will return to the Boris Trajkovski competition hall in Skopje on Thursday, July 10, at 20:00 local time, for the first leg of its semifinal clash with Montenegro.

Macedonia came in as a rookie into this year’s European League competition and now is one step away from the final.  The team is optimistic ahead of the semifinal matches with the Montenegrins and its members confirmed it at today’s press conference.

"So far we have fulfilled all the promises.  We qualified for the semifinals and put an end to a decade of negative results against Slovenia,” stated head coach Zarko Ristoski.  “What we promise next is a good performance in the semifinals and a place in the final of the European League.  Montenegro has a good team that has been together for many years and has more experience playing in this competition.  For us, the first match at home will be essential.  We need to have strong serving to make it difficult for the opponents’ reception, as well as good blocking.  Milos Culafic, Bozidar Cuk and Vojin Cacic are Montenegro’s players we need to stop.”

Team captain Nikola Gjorgiev believes that cool heads and a concentrated play can bring the desired victory tomorrow night.  "Cool head is the recipe for the semifinal match with Montenegro,” he said.  “We have to play focused, point after point, without pressure…  No matter which of us will play, it is clear that playing as one can only get us to the final.  We are a better team than Montenegro, although they have changes in the team, four new players who are motivated and eager to prove themselves.  On the side is Slobodan Boskan, who is a good coach, and, therefore, I believe that it will be difficult.  However, a spot in the final is achievable.  We just need to play with cool head…,” Gjorgiev insisted.

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