Israel takes four-set win over Denmark in the last match of league round – Volleyball News
Men’s national volleyball team of Israel concluded the opening round of the 2012 CEV European League with a tough 3-1 win over Denmark on Sunday.
After an incredibly close competition, Israel managed to overcome the resilient rival Denmark. The match ended with final score of 3:1 (23-25, 25-23, 27-25, and 28-26), while victory graced Israeli squad. Success in the last match allowed Israel to take third position in Pool A.
Denmark lost the match, but it had the top-scorer of the match in the form of Mads Hartmann DITLEVSEN, who contributed 24 points in the loss. On the other hand, Israeli Shon FAIGA and SHAFRANOVICH registered 20 and 16 points, respectively.
Match started out on a high note and the scoreboard showed tight scoring in first set. Both teams had good energy and produced powerful shots. Israel earned slight advantage at the FTT (8-7), while Denmark flipped the score 16-15 at the next technical timeout. The see-saw battle continued, while Denmark scored a couple of points near the end and secured opening set (25-23).
The second set unfolded the same story. Denmark had two-point lead at the first timeout and rallied to 16-14 at the next stop. Following the second break, Israel got better and pushed the rivals behind. Despite catching a good start in set-2, Denmark suffered two-point deficit at 23-25.
The game score tied at 1-1 at the end of second set, which gave way to a heated competition in the next frame. Israel tried to maintain power, but faced utmost resistance from the opposite side. Denmark hit the ball from different angles and struggled to take lead. However, the Israelis proved to be better and claimed third set with two points, 27-25.
A similar story followed in set-4, where Denmark led the scores for better time, but eventually had to give it to Israel. Fourth set was closed at 28-26 and Israel bagged success.
Assistant coach of Danish squad, Martin Olafsen commented, “I think that Israel and Denmark were the real surprises of this year’s European League. Israel was able to regularly fight back after being down in the opening of all sets. We are disappointed by this loss but motivated to go back home and work hard for next year’s European Championship. This participation in the European League has been a great experience for all of us.”
On the other hand, the head coach of the Israeli team Zohar Bar Netzer was totally satisfied with the terrific act of his team. He appreciated their individual efforts and also the teamwork. He concluded, “I am proud of my players and very happy with the outcome of this last tournament here in Kosice; it was very important for us to end up third in the group”
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