Dutch players Kim Staelens (left) and Ingrid Visser continued their winning streak at the European World Grand Prix qualifier as their team claimed a second win | Omsk, Russia, September 17, 2008 – The Netherlands overpowered Italy as the two Volleyball titans clashed on Day 2 of the European World Grand Prix qualifier in Omsk, Russia. In other matches Wednesday, Serbia and Germany claimed victories.
In the first match of the day at SKK im Blinova sports hall, the Netherlands beat Italy 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-28, 25-20). Serbia downed France in straight sets (25-12, 25-21, 25-19) and Germany kept their hopes alive by defeating hosts Russia 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 27-25) in front of 2,670 spectators.
The eagerly awaited duel between Tuesday winners Italy and the Netherlands turned out to be a contest with many ups and downs in the first two sets. While Valentina Arrighetti transformed a 6-8 handicap to an 11-8 Italian lead in the first set with some nasty services, the Dutch team turned the score around after the first technical time out in set No. 2 (from 6-8 to 17-14).
However, both teams were not in the mood to exchange presents. Lucia Bosetti ended it in the Azzurre’s favour with a blistering winner in the first set (25-23), while Manon Flier stroked in a back-row hammer in set No. 2 (25-23).
The momentum had now changed on the Dutch side, and when outstanding setter Kim Staelens blocked for a 2-1 set lead, the Oranjes held all the aces. A short rush from 19-17 to 23-17 in the fourth set was enough to secure the Dutch team a well-deserved victory, Staelens again closed the match at 25-20 after a clever block action. Flier was the best scorer with 20 points, followed by Francien Huurman (16) and Ingrid Visser (16).
“We played two good sets today but the Netherlands played four,” said Italian Head Coach Massimo Barbolini. “In set three and four, we committed too many individual errors. This was only the second match in this new team composition; we need more time to improve.”
Germany jumped out to a 1-0 set lead against hosts Russia with Margareta Kozuch going strong (6 points) and setter Kathleen Weiss setting up a smart offense system. The Russian receivers lacked of concentration, and when Kozuch brought up set point in set No. 2, the hosts’ hopes had already vanished into thin air. Christiana Fürst fired one through the middle, closing the set to 19.
The Germans kept the ball flying in the third, putting a lot of pressure on the Russian defense. But the hosts were determined not to give Germany the pleasure of another easy win in the third set, which went point-by-point in the early stages. Russian’s Natalya Safranova and Ekaterina Gamova attacked strong from the left and caught the Germans off-guard. Russia led in the first technical timeout at 8-7 and then 14-10, forcing Germany Head Coach Giovanni Guidetti to call a time out. Things changed at the crucial moment. Germany bounced back from being 22-18 down, and when Corina Ssuschke served at 25-25, the Russians lost their heads. The Germans claimed the set 27-25 and the match.
“We played an almost perfect match today,” said Guidetti. “The players were fully focused. A victory like today gives our young players the power for the future. I’m very happy.”
Serbia easily beat France in straight sets. French top scorer Jelena Lozancic (7 points) could not prevent Serbia winning the first set 25-12. Attack errors from both teams marked the start of the second period. France led by three points at the second technical time out before Serbia won 25-21. But the French team didn’t throw in the towel, dominating almost the entire third set with some marvellous defence action. However, Serbia Head Coach Zoran Terzic’s charges kept the upper hand, making sure the team keeps pace with the Netherlands, Italy and Russia. Jovana Brakocevic led all scorers with 16 points.
“Playing with Ivana Derisilo-Stankovic in position 4 could be an interesting solution for the future,” said Terzic. “She used to play outside hitter some years ago. Two strong players on the same position (Derisilo-Stankovic and Brakocevic) bring us no advantages.”
There will be 12 participating teams next year in the World Grand Prix with the tournament scheduled for a four-week period in July and August. The Preliminary Rounds are set for July 31 to August 16, including a stop in Brazil for the first time, and the Final Round from August 19-23 in Tokyo, Japan.
The top three European teams at the end of the round robin here in Omsk will automatically get a ticket for next year’s competition. Japan, China, Brazil, USA, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Poland (FIVB wild card) are the teams already qualified. Two other places will be decided at the Asian Women’s Cup Volleyball Championship that runs through October 1-7. |
