09/01/2020 22:00
Italy and the Netherlands make their mark at #EuroVolleyU17W qualifier
News from the Zonal Associations
Viana do Castelo, Portugal, January 9, 2020. Italy and the Netherlands emerged on Thursday as the pool winners of the WEVZA qualifier for this year’s U17 Women European Championship in Viana do Castelo. Italy beat Germany 3-1 and the Netherlands showed no mercy for hosts Portugal to claim a 3-0 victory. In Friday’s semis, Italy play Spain, while the Netherlands take on Belgium. The eventual winners of the tournament will qualify for the Final Round of #EuroVolleyU17W due to take place later this summer in Podgorica, Montenegro.
Belgium vs France 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-19)
Always tactically well-organised, Belgium soon began to assert their power, with Eline Van Elsen leading the way well supported by Romane Neufkens against a determined, yet still inexperienced opponent. The outcome of the match could hardly be any different and Belgium deservedly reserved their place in the semi-finals. Eline Van Elsen and Annelore Engels (BEL) and Vaiteani Vaki (FRA) were the top scorers of the match with 14, 12 and 11 points respectively.
Robin De Bont, coach of Belgium: “We were expecting a very difficult game and for two reasons: France were coming from two losses and needed to win while our players, who are still very young, could have relaxed in this match. That did not happen and we played at a decent level to win. We are in the semi-final and we need to rest and prepare well for that match as our opponent has only played two matches while we had one game more.”
Germany vs Italy 1-3 (15-25, 25-21, 18-25, 20-25)
If there was any doubts as to the power of the Italians, these soon dissipated with the initial set. With a very strong attack and a matching service, Michele Fanni's team dominated, with Sara Bellia scoring seven points of her own. The Germans did not surrender and in the second set, after Italy turned around an early deficit (from 5-11 to 12-11), with Manuela Ribechi contributing with two aces, the Germans responded with five consecutive points (19-14), eventually closing the set with a block: 25-21. Italy learned the hard lesson and won the following sets, with middle-blocker Giulia Polesello closing the match with two attacks. Germany’s Celine Jebens, with 20 points, and Italy’s Sara Bellia, with 17, were the best scorers of the match.
Michele Fanni, coach of Italy: “It was harder than yesterday’s match with France. Germany played very well after the first set, especially in defence and attack and we had to rectify the way we were blocking. This game served to draw some insights into what is not yet fully working. We are in the semi-finals and our goal is to qualify for the decisive match.”
The Netherlands vs Portugal 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-13)
The two teams were both nervous at the start, which resulted in some easy mistakes. The Netherlands then added points and confidence, making their very high block count. Despite the unequal weapons, Portugal still tried to fight, especially with their service, which allowed them, even if just for moments, to continue to believe in their chances. By winning the second set, the Netherlands secured first place in Pool A. Dagmar Mourits, from the Netherlands, with 18 points, was the best scorer of the match, while Inês Costa, with eight points, was the Portuguese best scorer.
Eelco Beijl, coach of the Netherlands: “It was very nice to face Portugal in a match with this atmosphere, with an audience that always supported their team. We won, which was our main goal, and now in the semi-finals we will see what we can do. Belgium is a good opponent and we have to analyse well how they play.”
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