Canada in bad form at 2011 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship - Volleyball
The Canadian Men’s Junior National Team has appeared in two matches of the 2011 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship Prelims so far and the team has not been able to win a single set in the tournament. The boys around head coach Georges Laplante dropped
both their matches and are currently at the bottom in Pool D rankings.
Recently, Canada suffered a set-back in a match against Belgium. The match was held on Tuesday, August 2 at Caio Martins sports hall in Niteroi, Brazil. Team Canada tried its level-best but ended up receiving a 0-3 (23-25, 22-25, and 17-25) loss. Previously,
they were defeated by the Iranian team on the opening day of the tournament.
First set
First set of the match was a tight affair. The first tie was seen in the early few minutes at 2-2. Canadian side displayed better game and added quick points to extend the lead to 5-2. Belgium’s reception was not good, which benefitted Canada. The second
technical timeout of set 1 saw Canada ahead of Belgium with a margin of 6 points. However, Belgian players made good use of the vital timeout and discussed the prospects of the game. They came up with a better plan and tried to chase the score. Belgium added
three consecutive points and lessened the gap of points to 10-13. Nicholas Hoag, Tristan Aubry and Tommy Balisle were all active on the centre court. They helped Canada stay on top of the game. Anyhow, Belgium continued putting more and more effort. Finally
the hard-work paid off and they managed to tie the score at 21-all. The tie shifted to 22-all in the next few moments. Belgium’s effort was commendable as they came a long way to put a scare of defeat on Canadian team. Ironically enough, Canada missed some
easy shots and lost the opening set with a narrow gap of two points.
Second set
The second also had sort of similarity with the previous set. Both teams showed aggressiveness in attack and demonstrated great digging and diving on the court. The uproar of spectators created more buzz in the competition hall. Canada tried all methods
to seek revenge in second set but Belgium was not ready to acknowledge their better status. Second set saw many crucial moments and quickly inched its way to the end. Canada fought till end but it seemed as if the Canadian team was out of luck. Despite of
great efforts, Canada lost another set, while Belgium enjoyed the lead of 2-0.
Third set
Canadian team looked visibly exhausted in third set. Belgium took a great start and built a lead of 8-6. Canada chased the score quite efficiently, while scoreboard showed 8-8. Belgium added three points break the tie but Canadian team once again brought
the score to an even level at 11-all. Belgium used a kill and block to go ahead 13-11 and Canada had to lose their spot.
Post-match
The match was followed by an official press conference where the coaches and captains of both teams gave an appearance. The head coach of Canadian team, Georges Laplante said: “The boys played with passion. Belgium had success on pressuring us. Even if
we were ahead, they played hard for every point. We didn’t play as we should; the pressure forced us to make errors."
Tyler Sanders, the skipper of the Canadian team was simply disappointed and said it was not their day. On contrary, Belgian Captain Sam Deroo was delighted to win the match. He said that Belgium still has a chance to find a place in the top eight teams of
the tournament in next round.
Tags: