Italy opens the 2nd round with fabulous victory over Germany in the FIVB Volleyball Championship 2010
Italy is the prestigious host of the FIVB Men’s World Championship this year. The squad of 24 teams in the championship is supposed to visit 10 different Italian cities to play their respective matches. The championship is scheduled to complete its run from
September 25 to October 10, 2010. The first round of the championship is successfully rounded off and hosts Italy remained unbeaten in the first spell. They won all their battles and pocketed 6 points to stay on top in Pool A.
Italy is joined by Germany and Puerto Rico in Pool G for the second round of championship. The second round was opened on Thursday, 30th September, 2010 but Italy played its first match on 1st October against the victorious German squad.
Germany outplayed Puerto Rico in their first match and challenged Italy in the second match. It was the much awaited match of second round. The huge fan following of Italy’s team gathered in masses to witness the outstanding performance. Italy is favourite
team of the championship and until now, they have displayed an incredible play.
Both teams entered the court with their guns loaded. The charged up Germans had the confidence of one victory, while Italy relied on the amazing team line-up and emotional support of fans. The battle started and Italy proved to be the better team. They dismissed
German Team by capturing 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-21, and 25-18) victory.
First Set
The first set belonged to Germans as the aroma of victory was fresh in their minds. They smashed good shots and exhibited brilliant play in the first set. They stood firm on the attack-line and converted most of their shots in points. They attempted good
attacks and overpowered Italy. The host team tried to come out of pressure and showed good temperament. Somehow, Germany quickly added points in their score and touched the finish line. The guest team successfully secured the first set by 25-21.
Second Set
The Germans successfully drafted Italy’s team under pressure with the win in first set. Italians changed the strategy in second set and covered the loopholes in their team. It was tough to dismantle German power but Italy struggled with their top hitters.
Italy scored points with the help of quick bump-passes and they finally found their feet in the game. The Italian setter developed good timing with the outside hitter (OH) and contributed more points in their score.
In the meantime, Germany hit an illegal ball and provided an opportunity for the opponents to take lead in the game. The powerhouse Italy was back in the game and took full advantage of German players’ mistakes. Italy felt a new soul in their bodies and
devastated Germany’s defence line. They slightly crept to the verge of victory in second set. Germany couldn’t maintain its lead and lost the second set (18-25).
Third Set
The confidence was restored with the victory in second set and Italians appeared too strong in third set. They attained the perfect rhythm and right tone for the game. The score swiftly moved up and Germany faced a lot of difficulty to chase the run. The
arena echoed the happy slogans of fans, which added more joy in the game. Germans tried to raise their heads but Italian hotshots pushed them behind the attack line. Italy ended the third set with 25-21 win and built ‘2-1’ lead in game.
Fourth Set
A new dimension was set for the Italian team, and they never looked back. Keeping the same level of energy, they clawed their way to the fourth-set victory (25-18). Italy extended their winning streak to 4-0 in the tournament and celebrated the victory.
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