Poland and Puerto Rico look to make their mark: 2011 FIVB World League - Volleyball
It has been two weeks since the 2011 FIVB World League kicked off with sixteen of the best volleyball teams from around the world. Exciting matches and breath-taking performances created a whole lot of entertainment as each team appeared in four matches apiece. After the successful completion first two-week pool match phase, the tournament is scheduled to resume Friday, June 10. In Pool A of the 2011 FIVB World League, there is going to a thrilling encounter between veteran volleyball Poland and hot new Puerto Rico.
Poland will take on Puerto Rico on Friday, 10th June. The famous Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico is all set to welcome the two teams for an amazing display of volleyball. In the last two weeks, both teams have played matches with different pool partners. Puerto Rico was engaged with defending champion Brazil in the first week, while the American team met Puerto Rico in the next week matches. On the other hand, Poland was put up with U.S. team in week 1 and Poles came across the Brazilians in the next two matches.
Puerto Rico qualified for the premier men’s event for the first time in the history of FIVB World League. The Puerto Rican team was under a lot of focus for having a strong team-line. Somehow, Puerto Rico found a place in the toughest pool of the tournament: Pool A. They were beaten black and blue by reigning champions, Brazil. Puerto Rican players badly collapsed in front of the Brazilian hotshots. In the next run, Team USA provided more damage to the Puerto Rican Team. They pulled off success in both matches and caused extra embarrassment for Puerto Rico.
However, Puerto Rico has one distinction in the form of skipper Hector Soto. He put up an incredible effort for his team and contributed 69 points in four matches. Hector Soto was named the third best-scorer of the tournament at the end of the second week.
Taking a look at the other side, Poland started off the 2011 FIVB World League on a good note. The Poles held off the U.S. team for a straight-set win in the opening match. However, Americans levelled the game score in the second match and returned to defeat Poland. In the second week, Poland received some hard-spiking from Brazil. Polish Team could only capture one set in both matches. Poland underwent a lot of pain by receiving consecutive defeats from Brazil. Nonetheless, Kurek Bartosz made good use of his skills and emerged as top-scorer of the tournament in two weeks. He registered 78 points for his team in four matches.
Now that third week of the tournament is about to begin, Poland and Puerto Rico will face each other on the centre court. The two teams have the top guns of the tournaments, Hector Soto and Kurek Bartosz. It will be interesting to watch them fighting for domination. The match will be hosted by Puerto Rico, which clearly signals the competitive edge for the home team. But Poland will be playing with the confidence of one-victory in hand, while Puerto Rico has still to break the ice.
“We are trying to retain the good things we acquired in the past games and improve our blocking and effectiveness in our services,” Puerto Rico’s coach Carlos Cardona said. “I hope that our guys stay hungry for the victory.” The fans are desperately waiting to witness the great match between Puerto Rico and Poland as both teams are in preparations for the important encounter.
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