PGE Skra Belchatow set to take on Arkas Izmir – 2012 CEV Champions League
Turkish men’s top volleyball club Arkas Izmir is scheduled to take on PGE Skra Belchatow of Poland in the upcoming semi-final of 2012 CEV Champions League slated for Saturday, March 17.
The two teams qualified for the final four on account of their spectacular performance in the earlier stages of the tournament.
A total of 24 teams entered the 2012 edition of men’s Champions League and showcased their thirst for European crown. The volleyball lovers got to witness some extreme action on the centre court. PGE Skra and Arkas Izmir performed brilliantly well in their
respective groups and managed to pave their way to the influential final four.
This is the first time that Turkish team has qualified for the final four of Champions League. The hard work has paid off and they are very near to holding the European trophy. They went through a dramatic situation in the quarter-finals. In the first match,
they were completely whitewashed by the hosts, the Lokomotiv Novosibirsk. The Russian opponents took full advantage of the home ground and clinched 3-0 victory. However, the two teams crossed their ways in the next match that was hosted by Turkey. This time,
the Turkish stormed the opponent and claimed match victory in a five-set thriller. Success in the second match was not enough to send Arkas in the final four.
According to the set formula of the competition, the two teams had another meeting in the gold-set match. Helped by some 5,000 local fans in attendance at “Karsiyaka” hall, the Turks downed the opposite side and settled for final four.
The successful coach of Turkish team expressed much delight after winning the golden set. He shared his thoughts in the following manner, “It was a very tough opponent. They almost made no mistake. It is always tough to play a third set when you are two
sets behind, but we overcame it and started to believe. That success is the result of effort put by everyone at the club, with the vision of the administration and the commitment of the players.”
The Turkish team is mentored by Canadian head Coach Glenn Hoag, who helped Slovenia’s sensation ACH Volley BLED to reach the final four in 2009. Hoag is confident to take his current team in the finals of the 2012 CEV Champions League.
Nevertheless, the Turks will be required to demonstrate terrific performance against hosts PGE Skra in the semi-final match. The Polish side has many experienced players, who have already played at this crucial stage.
Moreover, the city of Lodz in Poland is supposed to host the match and it will be clear advantage for the home squad. The Polish team has great fan following that will be up for the support of their team. Hence, Arkas Izmir will have double challenge in
the next match.
Currently both teams are undergoing extensive training and practice sessions. Let’s wait and see which side displays better game and advances to the final showdown of the CEV Champions League.
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