2011 FIVB World Grand Prix Qualifiers: Russia, Turkey and Netherlands grab sensational victories
The European Qualification Tournament for 2011 FIVB Grand Prix is currently in full swing. The Italian city of Cagliari has staged some thrilling volleyball fights since the tournament started there on 17th September, 2010. Six European women
volleyball teams are contesting in order to fill the two empty slots in 2011 FIVB Grand World Prix.
Three pool-play matches were played on 19th September, 2010. In the first match, Russia beat Germany after a close fight. Likewise, Turkey defeated Bulgaria with a margin of fair points in the following match whereas the host team played their
third match against Netherlands and received a shocking defeat from the visitors.
Russia vs. Germany
Russia’s National Women Volleyball Team is presently making shocking waves in the qualification round. They have remained consistent in delivering substantial play, earning consecutive victories. With this, it has confirmed its ambition to capture one of
two slots in 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix. Russia defeated Netherlands and Bulgaria in its last two matches while stroke with Germany on the third day. The Pala Rockfella Sports Hall in Cagliari recorded an extremely exciting combat of these two teams.
The first set-win was claimed by Russia on account of their excellent blocking. The German team was active to hit the ball in gaps but the sharp-minded Russian girls held them from their scruff. The German dedication and endeavor was admirable but Russian
“army” resisted violently. Ekaterina Gamova of Russia proved to be the big barrier for German spikers. Russia moved on and captured the first set win (25-19). In spite of the defeat in first set, Germany continued with same energy and clawed back their way
to second set victory after a grueling battle. Germany scored 26-24 in the second set.
In the following two sets, Russia seemed to be on fire as it produced flawless shots which perfectly landed in the targeted places. Germany’s Ssuschke, Kozuch and Brinker put up a good fight but still failed to stop the Russian spikes. In the end, Russia
grabbed the last two set and declared match victory. Through this win, Russia has gained 6 points and captured the top spot in rankings so far.
Turkey-Bulgaria
The day’s second match brought Turkey and Bulgaria together. Both teams were already down with bad results in their previous matches as Bulgaria lost to Italy and Russia while Turkey was ousted by Germany and Italy. Now they had a chance to make a difference
in their third match. Ultimately, Turkey sparked on the scene and snatched victory by marking 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, and 25-14) on the scoreboard.
Turkey controlled the operations from the very beginning. They had the evident superiority over Bulgarian side and dominated them in a great way. Neslihan Darnel of Turkey played the vital role in his team’s victory. Turkey won the match in three straight
sets and celebrated their very first victory in the tournament.
Italy-Netherlands
Italy versus Netherland was the most awaited match of the day. It was attended by 4000 spectators which is a record-turnout. The visiting team, Netherlands, shocked the Italians by an incredible game. The Italian team had a good run in the tournament as
they successfully bagged success in the last two matches but Netherlands hammered them in the third. The excited crowd didn’t get a chance to celebrate their home team’s victory and eventually left the sports hall with heavy heads.
The Italian star, Jenny Barazza, was down due to some pain in her abs. She was replaced by Velentina Arrighetti. This factor can also be considered as the cause of Italy’s failure. In addition, Chiara Di Iulio didn’t play either as she had an injury. The
Netherlands’ team took advantage of the situation and achieved a remarkable victory with 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, and 25-20).
Tags: