FIVB World League finals start today in Sofia, Bulgaria – Volleyball News
The crucial final round of the 2012 FIVB World League is scheduled to take centre stage today in Bulgarian City Sofia. The final phase of the tournament will cover its length from July 4-8 and eventually the world will witness the top team of the competition.
A total of six teams will be on board to vie for the World League Title. Bulgaria reserved a berth in the final round of the competition on the basis of being the host nation. The home team has high hopes to do well in the final round matches. The local
fans are pretty much psyched about the final round action of the World League.
Besides the hosts Bulgaria, teams from United States, Germany, Poland, Cuba, and Brazil will also be competing for the top honour of the competition.
The Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB), which is the governing body of the event, has divided the grid of six teams into two groups: Pool E and Pool F.
Bulgaria, United States, and Germany will be tagged as Pool E teams, while Pool F will be composed of Poland, Cuba, and Brazil.
The defending champions Russia that worked out a great performance in the previous edition of the World League failed to reach the final stage. Russia got disqualified in the preliminary round-robin of the tournament. However, the runner-up team of the last
year, Brazil, is still in the game. Brazil lost to Russia in the final showdown of the 2011 FIVB World League. However, the team is determined to get hold of the title trophy this year.
Brazil is regarded as the most experienced team in the competition. Brazilian squad has attended all editions of the FIVB World League and has the most number of medals to its name. Brazil has secured a total of nine gold, three silver, and 4 bronze medals
since the inception of this tournament in 1990. Brazil is also counting on another gold medal.
Nonetheless, Brazil will have a tough competition with hosts Bulgaria and Poland in the final round of 2012 FIVB World league. Polish team is enjoying a great form and has the ambition to take its first World League title. On the other hand, Bulgaria, which
is still without gold in the World League, has set eyes on the title. The hosts will have the competitive advantage of playing at home. Moreover, the rowdy Bulgarian fans will also play a part in enhancing the performance of local team. Right now, the air
is filled with different opinions, but the situation will become evident as the teams will get down to some real action on the centre court.
Check back for match reports and more updates.
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