02/04/2016 23:23
#EuroVolleyU19W – Belarus, Russia and Belgium secure qualification for Final Round with third straight win
2016 CEV U19 Volleyball European Championship - Women
Luxembourg, April 2, 2016. Team Belarus completed on Saturday a clean sweep of their matches in Pool A at Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia and as a result secured their participation in the Final Round of the 2016 CEV U19 Volleyball European Championship – Women that will be taking place later this summer in Nitra (SVK) and Győr (HUN). Later in the day Belarus were emulated by Russia and Belgium – gold and bronze medallists respectively at last year’s U18 European Championship – as they also completed a clean sweep of their matches in Pool D and G to book a ticket to the Final Round. Another four tournaments are set to continue through to Sunday and their respective eventual winners will also qualify for the Finals of this age group’s premier competition. The runners-up and the third-placed team with the best score across all pools will have one last chance of booking their ticket to Slovakia and Hungary at the third and last stage of the qualifying process scheduled for early July.
Pool A in Vrnjačka Banja (SRB)
Belarus vs. Romania 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-17)
Team Belarus are the first side to secure their qualification for the Final Round of this year’s U19 European Championship that will be taking place in Nitra and Győr. Belarus delivered another stunning performance to complete a clean sweep of their matches in Vrnjačka Banja and could start their celebrations already after winning the second set of a game where they left no chance to their opponents from Romania.
Hanna Klimets was one of the best players for Team Belarus at this tournament: “I don’t know what to say. This match was funny and filled with emotions. I am so happy because finally we will have the opportunity to play at the Final Round of the European Championship.”
Belarus team captain Hanna Kniazeva: “We are really happy because we could claim this victory but especially because we are the winners of this tournament. It wasn’t easy for us because we are a young team, but we did it.”
Romania coach Ciprian Darnescu is sure that his team is ready to achieve more: “It was a difficult game against a really strong team and we have to congratulate them. Also, I want to congratulate my team because after all we had a great tournament and we played some good matches. I am sure we will be ready for the next games.”
Click here for video interviews with Team Belarus and here for video interviews with Team Romania
Pool B in Rovinj (CRO)
Croatia vs. Spain 3-2 (30-28, 19-25, 20-25, 25-22, 15-11)
Since Turkey are the main favourites in the group after finishing in fourth place at last year’s U18 European Championship, Croatia and Spain were most likely to fight for second place in the Pool when they contested their second match in Rovinj. The result of this game was extremely important since the eventual runners-up of the tournament will continue their journey in the third and last stage of the qualifying process.
Croatia opened with four straight points but Spain responded well to lead 8-6 at the first technical time-out of the opening set. A neck and neck race followed before Spain broke away to 24-20. Croatia responded by scoring four in a row to make it 24-all and two superb actions by Katarina Pavicic eventually brought the set to an end 30-28 for the home side. Spain set the tempo of the game from the beginning of the second set and extended their lead to 16-9 at the second technical time-out. Though Croatia coach Marija Anzulovic asked for a break and she replaced two subs with starters Klara Peric and team captain Lea Cvetnic, she could not prevent Spain from levelling the match. The third set followed the same plot with Spain edging ahead 16-10 but Croatia closed in 17-15 on a good serving series which nevertheless was everything they could achieve before their opponent claimed this period. The fourth set was a close race midway through before Spain started making mistakes and Croatia took this opportunity to stretch the match to the tie-break. As the teams switched ends, Croatia were 8-7 up and were able to keep control through to the end to secure a very important 3-2 victory.
Croatia player Katarina Pavicic: “We did not expect such good performance from Spain, and especially such quality in their defence game. We knew that they would play better than they had done with Turkey but their performance was at least two levels higher than that. We made many mistakes and this way they got an extra boost of confidence. Tomorrow against Turkey we need to raise the level of our game, fight for every point and believe that we can compete and stand a chance.”
Spain Team Manager Juan Antonio Vallejo Casas: “We played better than yesterday. In the first set we had some problems and we almost did not use our middle blockers at all. In the fourth set we relaxed and allowed Croatia to come back in the match. We made too many mistakes with free balls and did not take advantage of their weak reception.”
Sweden vs. Turkey 0-3 (13-25, 11-25, 14-25)
Turkey lived up to their status of pre-favourites in the tournament claiming their second victory in as many matches. Although Sweden played a lot better than they had done the day before, they could not put on a real fight for more than half a set. The Turkish coach, on the other hand, could use all of his players, but once again Turkey’s triumph was paced by the same players who had stood out 24 hours before as well, Yasemin Güveli (11 points) and captain Tutku Burcu Yüzgenc (10).
Turkey captain Yüzgenc: “We are very happy with our second straight victory in this tournament. Tomorrow we expect a match that will decide who goes straight to the Final Round of the European Championship and I think that my team will be well ready for it.”
Sweden assistant coach Almir Ljutovac: “We knew that the match would be tough for us because Turkey is the favourite of our group, but we played better than yesterday. Our team is not used to play against such tall players and we have to be better prepared for such kind of matches and opponents. We are confident that we are going to show a higher level of play in the future.”
Pool C in Napoli (ITA)
Germany vs. The Netherlands 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 31-29)
Germany claimed their second straight victory in Pool C at Pala Dennerlein in Napoli and with their unblemished record so far in the tournament they are well ready to play Italy on Sunday for a ‘Clash of the Titans’ that will determine who qualifies for the Final Round of the European Championship. Though the Netherlands caught a good start to today’s match, Germany responded well and showed their skills and physical power controlling the game with relative ease in both the first and second sets. Germany could resist to a late comeback by the Netherlands in set 3 where the Oranjes failed to capitalise on two set points.
Germany coach Jan Lindenmair: “I am very happy with this victory, because our opponent was not to be underestimated. Winning in three sets is very important; tomorrow even though Italy is the favourite, we will give everything we have to secure our qualification for the Final Round.”
The Netherlands coach Julien Van De Vyver: “We have been competitive for the entire match even though Germany is a very strong opponent and they have more experience than us at this level. I think that their serve made the difference today, because it created a lot of difficulties to our passers.”
Portugal vs. Italy 0-3 (14-25, 19-25, 20-25)
Later in the afternoon Italy emulated Germany and claimed their second straight victory in the competition, this time sweeping Portugal aside. Paola Egonu and her teammates showed their class and dominated the match from start to finish. On Sunday Italy and Germany will go for a real final showdown with a ticket to the Finals at stake. Only the eventual winner of this clash will book a ticket to Slovakia and Hungary, while the losers will have to try another time via the third and last stage of the qualification process scheduled for early July.
Italy coach Luca Cristofani: “We knew we were much stronger than Portugal, so we controlled the game easily. Tomorrow we will play for the qualification against Germany and we will contest what is going to be the most difficult match of this tournament. I am convinced that my girls will give their best, because for us the qualification for the Final Round is a very important goal. I believe that the fantastic audience of Napoli can give us a huge extra boost of energy and support.”
Portugal coach Gilda Harris: “Once again my girls tried to do their best against one of the strongest teams in the world. We knew that their level is very different from ours. Tomorrow against the Netherlands we will try to display an even better performance.”
Pool D in Ramenskoe (RUS)
Switzerland vs. Poland 2-3 (25-19, 17-25, 15-25, 25-18, 12-15)
Switzerland claimed an early lead (8-5) by means of the mistakes made by Poland and this trend continued midway through the set (15-6) before Julia Iwona Nowicka went to serve and she eventually cut the Polish deficit down to four points at 15-11. However, Switzerland extended their lead again at 18-12 and 22-18 with the set coming to an end 25-22 Switzerland’s way after Nowicka sent the ball out of bounds. The second set was a close race with Switzerland reaching the first technical time-out leading 8-7 but Poland changed gear after that edging ahead 18-13 and bringing it to an end 25-17. The White-and-Reds controlled the game also in set 3 (8-5, 12-7) but their coach Wieslaw Popik asked for a time-out after Switzerland closed in 14-11. This was a good move as the sharp spikes killed by Monika Fedusio eventually brought the set to an end at 25-15.
The course of the match changed again in the fourth set with Switzerland leading 8-4. Poland made it 9-all and a close race followed; many substitutions made by the Polish coach did not produce the desired effect with Switzerland edging ahead again at 16-13 and 19-16. Swiss setter Olivia Wassner played intelligently to move the score to 22-17 and after another Polish time-out the set ended 25-18 Switzerland’s way. Both teams looked very nervous in the early stages of the fifth set. Poland broke away 3-1 but Switzerland levelled the count to 5-all. The score remained close up to 9-9 and in the end it was Poland who prevailed to celebrate a hard-fought win at 15-12.
Poland coach Wieslaw Popik: “Switzerland today served really well. We made many mistakes in the second and in the third sets. In the fourth set our concentration was completely gone. We are therefore happy that we won in the end.”
Aleksandra Rasinska, outside spiker of Poland: “We made many mistakes but we showed what we are capable of. After this fight we are happy because it was a good show. Switzerland is a very tough opponent and I am proud of my team because we did not give up even in the most difficult moments.”
Switzerland coach Dirk Gross: “It was a great fight. I think for Poland it was a surprise that Switzerland can play Volleyball at this level. We were very close to claiming a resounding victory.”
Olivia Wassner, setter of Switzerland: “Today we played well. We really wanted to win because maybe this was the last international match for our team.”
Ukraine vs. Russia 1-3 (25-21, 18-25, 19-25, 14-25)
Ukraine came out with all guns blazing in their final matchup with Russia leading the way 6-3 in the first set and extending it to 8-5 and 12-9 before they called for the second technical time-out with a margin of five points. Their dominance continued later on (19-13) and even though Russia fought their way back with some points scored by their star player Angelina Lazarenko, Ukraine closed the set out 25-21 with the help of some Russian mistakes. Russia came back strong in the second set (6-3, 8-6, 11-7) and some sharp attacks by Maria Vorobyeva extended their lead to 14-8. Ukraine trailed 16-11 at the second technical time-out but after the break the visitors scored four straight points to prompt a time-out by Russia coach Svetlana Safronova. Russia regrouped, moved the score to 21-17 and Vorobyeva scored another three points to seal the deal at 25-18. Ukraine claimed an early 8-5 lead in the third set but Russia fought back after a time-out. Elizaveta Kotova was instrumental to this comeback and her ace moved the score to 12-10 in Russia’s favour. Inna Balyko also performed well for the home side and Russia eventually brought this set to a happy end at 25-19. Ukraine coach Andriy Romanovych asked for a time-out early in the fourth set with Russia leading 4-0. However, there was nothing he could do to stop the Russian triumphal march (8-5, 16-10) with Vorobyeva on fire (20-12) and leading the way to a compelling 25-14 that sealed Russia’s 3-1 win.
Russia coach Svetlana Safronova: “I am very satisfied with the result of this tournament.”
Russia star spiker Maria Vorobyeva: “In the first set we were very nervous, we made stupid mistakes and lost it. However, we regrouped and in the end we reached our main goal – win this match.”
Ukraine coach Andriy Romanovych: “We started off very well today, but our main setter was injured several days ago and after the first set we decided that she could not play anymore. The second setter is a very young player and that influenced the outcome of the match.”
Ukraine opposite Yuliia Yastrub: “We fought well in the first set but in the remainder of the match we felt a lack of confidence and today Russia was luckier than us.”
Pool E in Sofia (BUL)
Finland vs. Norway 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-18)
On Saturday Finland claimed their second victory in Sofia, stamping a commanding 3-0 in their Nordic derby with Norway.
Norway team captain Victoria Jellestad Demmene: “I think that we had a rough start to the match but we managed to compensate for it and we really started to play better in the second and in the third sets. We fought a lot but Finland is also a very strong team. They are very good technically and have a lot of power. So sometimes we struggled a bit but in the end after this qualification we need to go back to Norway and to continue to work even harder. Before this happens, we have one more match here and we need to prepare as good as we can for it.”
Norway coach Loes Torfs: “I think that Finland played very well with just a few mistakes. They served well, and they also showed very powerful attacks. They brought us in trouble with this, I mean with good serving and good attacks. Our team played better and better but a combination of different factors didn’t allow us to win at least one set. For sure we need to become more stable at serving and especially in reception where we still struggle.”
Finland coach Tapio Kangasniemi: “We needed one victory to qualify for the third round of the European Championship but this is far away for now. Today we played really well and it was a good game for us, especially our serves and attacks were good. After all, I think that this is the best Norwegian team which I have seen in five, maybe 10 years. So it’s very good to see that they are developing. Tomorrow it will be a tough game with Bulgaria. Two teams, one place in the Finals and we both want to achieve the same goal. We will see. I trust my team!”
Finland Iida Murto: “I’m feeling awesome, really! It feels really great because last year we didn’t qualify for to the U18 European Championship which Bulgaria hosted. But this year our main goal is really close to achieve and everything is possible. The Bulgarian team is really good but I think that if we play as best as we can, we have a really good chance to win. We have to play at our own level and if we do this, we can achieve a priceless victory which would send us to the Final Round of the European Championship.”
Click here for a video of the last rally and Finnish celebrations
Estonia vs. Bulgaria 0-3 (14-25, 22-25, 21-25)
The hosts of Bulgaria celebrated on Saturday their second victory before a partisan crowd in Sofia and on Sunday will play Finland for first place in the pool and a ticket to the Final Round of this year’s European Championship.
Estonia coach Peeter Vahtra: “It was a tough match against a very good team like Bulgaria. The difference came from their serving. They have a really, really good serve and we just couldn’t receive their hits from the base line. We were not able to close the second and the third sets where we claimed an early lead and set the pace for most of the time.”
Estonia libero Loora Orav: “I share the opinion of my coach. Their serve was just unbelievable! Nobody in our team can serve like they did. It was really hard for us to receive these balls and as a result our play struggled a lot. Tomorrow we have another match against Norway and we have a good chance to win. They are also a very good team but we will see how this will end.”
Bulgaria setter Gergana Georgieva: “I think that today we were more focussed on the match than yesterday. This is the reason of our success and it explains such 3-0 victory. Tomorrow we will have the most important game of the weekend against Finland. They are a strong team. We need to be concentrated right from the beginning and we will try to beat them!”
Bulgaria coach Dimo Tonev: “It was a tough match. We didn’t play that good but I think that my players were already feeling the pressure from the next game tomorrow against Finland. This will be like a final for both teams. Only the winner will qualify for the European Championship, so it will be a real battle. At the moment everything is fine – two games, two victories, but it is not over yet. We need to prepare the best we can for our next match against Finland, come back here and win!”
Click here for a video of the last rally
Pool F in Riga (LAT)
Slovenia vs. Azerbaijan 3-1 (18-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18)
Team Slovenia extended their positive streak and added another victory to their European Championship qualifier balance sheet. Their opponents, Team Azerbaijan struggled to produce their best game following yesterday’s emotional match and defeat by Team Latvia. The match started with a series of successful attacks from Azerbaijan who eventually took the first set, but Team Slovenia managed to impose their rule for the remainder of the game.
Slovenia coach Oleg Gorbachov: “I am twice as happy as I was yesterday – this result is leading us towards the achievement of our goal as we were aiming to make it through this round and win this second-round qualifier. However, this match was really tough to play because our opponents looked very confident and in the first set our team made so many mistakes that we almost lost the whole game. The final result was achieved via a number of tactical changes and thanks to my team’s overall experience.”
Azerbaijan coach Vugar Aliyev: “As I was saying yesterday: the team doesn’t lose but their coach does. My players did their best and showed real team spirit today. We cancelled the morning practice session because we wanted to gain more confidence and we spent the whole morning working on our team’s willpower. The first set was just brilliant but later on we just had not enough luck in the most critical moments of the match.”
France vs. Latvia 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-11)
After losing to Slovenia on Friday, Team France looked determined to bounce back in their matchup against hosts Latvia and despite the home advantage and support provided by a huge crowd cheering the home girls on, Latvia could not prevent France from succeeding in achieving the goal they had set. The French display was especially dominant in the third set where they scored a series of 10 straight points (10-0) en route to the final 25-11.
France coach Philippe-Marie Salvan: “We analysed our opponents and knew their skills in reception are not so impressive, so we started off aggressive tonight and that strategy paid off. I am happy for my team – tonight they showed some really good actions. I assume that our opponents felt too much pressure on their shoulders being the home team and as they had hopes to secure their qualification for the next round.”
Latvia coach Andrejs Odinokovs: “Team France did great and they were better prepared tonight. Bad reception led to different game paths and our girls were not confident as they should have been. Our goal was to win and we will prepare ourselves for the next match and develop a different strategy in order to stand the strength of our opponents, Slovenia.”
Pool G in Brøndby (DEN)
Austria vs. Denmark 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-14)
The last match in Pool G for Austria and Denmark was a direct duel for third place in the group. Both teams had lost their previous matches to Belgium and the Czech Republic, and therefore their honour was at stake in this last round. Austria had the strongest hands and minds in that contest and left the home side leave the court with empty hands after cruising to a 3-0 victory.
Austria head coach Jiri Siller: “I stand here with mixed feelings. Yesterday and the day before yesterday we played two teams who had the opportunity to prepare for this tournament better than we did. These two teams have played together for a longer period of time, and that is why they were better than us in this tournament. I am happy with the win against Denmark. I believe we should have taken one more point in this tournament so we would now stand a chance of becoming the best third-placed team across all pools and could continue our campaign for a spot in the Final Round of the European Championship. This one win is probably not enough. But in general I am satisfied with the performance of my players.”
Denmark head coach Mats Olof Björkman: “Unfortunately there is always one element in our game that halts. When we serve well, we struggle in reception. When our reception is under control, we do not create scoring opportunities. I feel sorry for the girls because they did all they could. I think they played their best match in the tournament and their performance today was definitely a good one. But we just have to acknowledge that our level is not good enough yet. We play well on our top level, but the average level is too low to make an impact in Europe.”
Czech Republic vs. Belgium 1-3 (18-25, 25-22, 14-25, 10-25)
Belgium and the Czech Republic had claimed their respective first two matches in the tournament, so the stakes were clear in the clash that completed the programme in Brøndby: the winner would get the golden ticket to the Final Round of the 2016 CEV U19 Volleyball European Championship – Women in Slovakia and Hungary. The Czechs put up a good fight, but Belgium’s young Yellow Tigers continued their immensely strong performance in the tournament and with a dominant display they cleared all doubts about who would win this clash. The Czech Republic still has another chance of making the European Championship via the third qualification round in early July.
Fien Callens, head coach of Belgium: “There are a lot of emotions flowing right now. I gathered the team 10 days before this qualification tournament, and when I saw them together in the first training I thought this would be some kind of a mission impossible. The girls come from teams competing in our country’s first and second divisions and had to find a way to work together as a team, as many of them were moved to different positions. We put a lot of focus on the mental aspect, working together as a team and having fun. You must remember that these are still young girls. It has to be fun to make it work. I am very happy we qualified. I think we belong to the European Championship. We finished third last year, but this came after a long period without a Belgian team competing in the Finals. I really think the girls deserve it; they have improved a lot in the short period of time we have been together. Also, good luck to the Czech Republic who did very well. I wish them the best of luck in the third qualification round.”
Czech Republic head coach Ales Novak: “Belgium played very well. That is the short story of the match. They have so much quality in all positions, and I want to congratulate them with the win and their spot in the European Championship. I think we played a good game, especially in attack, and I cannot say a bad word about my girls’ performance. We have one more chance of going to the European Championship via the third qualification round and we will start focussing on that in a couple of days.”
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