Men’s volleyball update: Russia dominated Germany in friendly matches
The 2010 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship is around the corner. The exciting combat of world’s best volleyball teams will be held in Italy from September 25, 2010 to October 10, 2010. 24 teams from five different continents have confirmed their participation in the tournament. Russia and Germany are also included in the squad.
As the starting dates are approaching, the thrill and excitement is increasing, the teams are revising their game act and strategies. It will be a real test of their abilities and temperament that they have attained in previous games. The teams are working on their weak points and holding practice matches in order to perform better in the next competition.
Russia and Germany arranged a two-match event which was hosted by German city Frankfurt in last week.
First Match
Germany and Russia clashed in the first match on Saturday, 4th September 2010. The teams produced good serves and game progressed with a fast pace. Russian men were too fast to create a difference of points in the early minutes of the first set. They hit the ball with precision and scored several points in a row. Russia continued with strike and extended their lead over Germany. They put pressure on the German team by hitting powerful spikes and under-hand shots. The first set was claimed by Russia as they posted 25-16 on the scoreboard.
The host Germany retaliated with an angry tone in the second set. They blocked some good spikes by Russian players and saved points. However, Russia paid more attention on their attack and hit deceptive shots with varied pace. The score gradually moved to end point and both teams struggled to dismiss the competitor side. Ultimately, Russia earned points on account of German ball-reception errors and finished the set with 25-22 win.
Russians seemed more energetic in third set while the German side slowed down. Germany failed to form good combinations and constantly remained unsuccessful to overcome Russia. The visitor team paved its way to the final victory by achieving success in third set (25-18). They won the first match in three straight sets.
Second Match
The teams hit the court on Sunday, 5th September 2010 for second match. Germany couldn’t generate good pace in the first match and disappointed the local audience. Somehow, they had another chance to prove their endeavour in second match. Nonetheless, the second day again favoured the hosts who defeated Germany on their home-court. Russia claimed 3-1(18-25, 25-20, 25-22, and 25-14) victory over Germans in second match.
Germany had a good start in second match as they built an early lead in the first set. A few ball-handling errors of Russian team provided them a perfect chance to score points. Germany further maintained the lead and won the first set by polling 25-18.
The first set victory thrilled German team to stay on the same course but strong Russian team bounced back in the second set. They controlled their movement in the court and firmly held their positions. With the help of few kills, Russia regained the commanding position and won the second set.
The third set was a do-or-die situation for Germany. They brought in their best players but the formula worked neither way. Russia was on the run and snatched third-set victory from Germany. Keeping the same momentum, Russia declared the match-victory by capturing fourth-set. Germany lost both of its matches but they definitely got a clue of their weak points in the game. They must be working on their flaws before the start of 2010 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
Dmitriy Muserskiy was the centre of attention in Russian squad as he produced impressive serves and demonstrated good blocking. On German side, Georg Grozer topped with 25 points.
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