2010 FIVB World Volleyball Championship - Pool G: Germany 3-0 thrash Puerto Rico
The 2010 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship is currently underway in Italy. It kicked off on 25th September, 2010 with the preliminary matches of 1st round. The first leg spanned over three days and concluded on Wednesday. Six teams were
eliminated, while the rest entered the second round. The second spell started on Thursday with a gap of two days and the teams got a break from the usual run.
The volleyball action re-ignited on 30th September, 2010 with the teams once again hitting the podium. Germany and Puerto Rico descended in the court for the first match of second-round. The Germans outshined and picked up a 3-0 (25-22, 25-22,
and 25-18) victory over Puerto Rico. This match was played at Pala Catania Sports Hall in Catania, Italy.
Pre-match scenario:
As everybody had anticipated, the match between Puerto Rico and Germany was likely to create a lot of buzz. Both coaches, Raul Lozano of Germany and Carlos Cardona of Puerto Rico expressed their desire to capture a slot in the tournament’s top 12 positions.
Cardona remarked, “There are not easy games in this round” But still, he expressed the hope that his team would do better.
On the other hand, Lozano said, “We played well in Trieste and I expect to do better here. Our goal is to advance to the third round and this first match will be a key one to realize our expectations. It is going to be a big game against an important opponent.
But at this point, all our matches are against tough teams.”
First Set:
Germany opened the first set on a good foot and served with precision. Bohme Marcus attacked the Puerto Ricans with his superb shots. Germany’s early lead placed them in a perfect rhythm to dominate the other side.
But, Puerto Rico also seemed confident about their team set-up and they stroke back Germans. The scoreboard rapidly changed as Germany edged Puerto Rico with the help of 25-22. It was a great fight and the more than 2,000 spectators present at the venue
enjoyed it.
Second Set:
The first set loss dragged Puerto Rico under the clouds of insecurity. Still, they continued with their efforts and delivered an impressive performance in the second set. Meanwhile, Germany brought more ferocity in their attack and Kromm Robert along with
Bohme contributed some valuable points to their side’s score.
Schwarz Sebestian also joined hands with them and together they devastated Puerto Rico’s defense. Soto Hector of Puerto Rico blocked some of the finest spikes but ultimately, Germany took the game as their opponents lost the second set by three points (22-25).
Third Set:
As soon as the third set began, Germany could already smell victory. The German, Grozer Gyjrgy hit some unstoppable shots that quickly raised his side’s score. Puerto slowed down and attempted a few weak shots.
In the end, Germany managed to touch the finish line at 25-18 while Puerto Rico trailed behind with the gap of six points. The former finally pulled off victory in the match.
Next big challenge:
The volleyball powerhouse, Italy is also in the Pool G. The World No. 5 team can prove to be a major threat for Germany and Puerto Rico in their upcoming matches as the home-side presently looks in great form. They also have the advantage of home court and
crowd. Italy is tipped to win the title but what actually happens would still remain a mystery until the tournament’s final day.
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