Germany defeat Belgium in CEV European Junior Men’s Volleyball Championship
Germany clashed with Belgium on the 5th day of the CEV European Junior Volleyball Championship, which has now entered the last phase. On Thursday, 2nd September 2010 both teams came on to the court with big plans. Belgium had lost two of its battles, while Germany also had the loss of two games in the early phase of the tournament.
It was the last match of the preliminary round and each team wanted to take a lead by winning the match. Germany seemed confident about their team’s defence as they demonstrated a great play against Poland in the last match. On the other hand, Belgium also finished their last match with a win over a sturdy Netherlands team. So the match was full of suspense and uncertainty as far as the result was concerned. The clear vision of the better team shaped up while the game proceeded and Germany emerged as a winner after a tiring five sets. Germany managed to dismiss Belgium by posting a 3-2 (27-25, 23-25, 21-25, 25-21, and 15-9) victory.
Opening Set
The opening set was the longest one and it created frenzy between the two teams. Belgium put pressure on Germany by hitting commanding spikes, while Germany kept on defending and saving points. Ultimately, Germans felt the need to change the game scenario. They spotted the weak points of their opponents and started a heavy rally of attacks. It helped their score to rise. They earned a couple of points on floater serves. Germany’s defence specialist held his spot in the back court and stopped the ball with mighty hands. The circumstances favoured Germany and enabled them to build a lead. Belgium tried to avoid their failure but the ball landed in their court most of the times in the first set. Germany extended their lead and grabbed the first set victory.
Second Set
The aching defeat in the first set formed distress among Belgian players but they kept on improving and producing better shots. The bump passes by Belgian Setter scored quick points and they gradually gained confidence in their game. Germany was also in an active mode and they used every opportunity for their advantage. The game progressed and both teams kept on fighting for the command. The final glory graced Belgium in second set after a close fight. The set ended at 25-23.
Third Set
The taste of victory in the second set was good for Belgium and they continued with success afterwards. They covered the attack line and minimized Germany’s chances to score points in the back court area. The third set was also successful for Belgium. They hardly lost grip over the ball and saved points by extreme digging and diving on the floor. Consequently, the hard work was rewarded and Belgium captured another set with a margin of four points.
Fourth Set
The German side couldn’t stand Belgium’s lead in the game and they answered back. They stroked the ball with the fleshy part of their forearms and deceived Belgian players with under-hand motion of ball. The German team tried the one-handed defensive technique to improve their score. Belgium’s reception errors provided Germany with the perfect chance to take a lead. Belgium slowed down and appeared to have been exhausted by continuous strikes from German line-shots. Germany was back in business by claiming the fourth set. They posted a score of 25-21 and finished the set.
Final Set
Germans started the fifth set with a strong advantage over Belgium. Their level of energy was boosted and it seemed as if Germany had saved energy for this particular set. They totally devastated Belgium with points after points and finally pulled off a five-set win.
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