08/01/2018 19:05
Uralochka and C.S.M. BUCURESTI to clash for spot in CEV Cup 8th Finals
2018 CEV Volleyball Cup - Women
Ekaterinburg, Russia, January 8, 2018. Uralochka-NTMK EKATERINBURG are ready to take the next step towards reaching the 8th Finals of the 2018 CEV Volleyball Cup – Women. Nearly one month ago the Russian team claimed their first matchup with C.S.M. BUCURESTI of Romania in three sets but the re-match will not be an easy one.
The young Russian team wants to play a leading role in this competition. “The first victory in Bucharest should not make us lose concentration, as we have to fight for every ball, because each rally can be the most important thing and we cannot underestimate our opponent,” said the legendary coach of Uralochka-NTMK Nikolay Karpol. The game against the very strong Romanian opponent will provide the Russian side with an opportunity to test their tactical model. The standout players of Uralochka are two very powerful scorers – Kseniia Parubets and Hanna Klimets. With a solid performance, Uralochka-NTMK want to secure their spot in the next round.
C.S.M. BUCURESTI have many internationally experienced players. They are the major force in their national championship and hope to take revenge in Ekaterinburg. The confidence results from the skills of their world-class Serbian opposite hitter Jovana Brakocevic. Her transfer to Bucharest was announced as a sensation before the start of the 2017/2018 season. One of the most valuable players in Europe, she is now in a good shape. “We should be playing faster in Russia than we did at home,” said Brakocevic. “If we improve in this aspect of the game, our chances will increase. We have to stay focussed until the end. C.S.M. BUCURESTI want to win this match and this duel as well.”
The battle featuring two equally ambitious teams will draw further attention as two different generations of coaches are standing on opposite sides of the net. The Russian guru Karpol will take an exam when facing Ferhat Akbas, the young Turkish coach at the helm of C.S.M. BUCURESTI. The difference in age between these two is 49 years...
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