Recap of 2011 CEV Boys’ Youth European Championship – Pool I
The 2011 CEV Boys’ Youth European Championship is underway in Ankara, Turkey.
The wonderful competition of under-19 boys’ teams is set to complete its run from April 16-24. The championship staged great matches in the first three days. The volleyball enthusiasts enjoyed the interesting counters of 12 teams.
Teams from Russia, Belgium, Ukraine, France, Spain and Finland have been playing under the tag of Pool I, while Serbia, Germany, Poland, Greece, hosts Turkey and Serbia are tagged as Pool II teams. The first preliminary round of the championship featured
three matches on each day. All the matches were hosted by Baskent Sports Hall in Ankara.
In Pool I of the championship, Spain and Belgium broke the ice and played the first match on Saturday, April 16. Both teams had undergone extensive training for the heated competitions in 2011 CEV Boys’ Youth Championship. The match spanned over four sets,
while Belgium proved to be better side. They successfully launched their power on the opposite side and posted 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 19-25, and 25-16) victory over Belgium.
On the same day, the defending champion France and Ukrainian team were featured in the second match. The Ukrainian boys opened the game on a good note and gave a hard time to Team France. However, they could not keep the same energy and eventually lost the
match. France claimed the match by sending 3-1 (23-25, 25-12, 25-16, and 25-12) onboard.
Third match on the opening day was totally dominated by Russian team, which clashed with boys from Finland. The Russian were equipped with all necessary tools of the game and did not allow Finnish Team to stand in the way of their killing spikes.
The Russian displayed a great show of volleyball and pulled off success in straight set. They posted 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, and 25-19) victory and marched away with the tag of winners.
The championship entered the second day on Sunday, 17th April. The members of Pool I came across different competitors on the second day.
In the first match, France and Belgium contested their attack and defence abilities. Both teams had won their first-day matches with good margin. It was the real test of their skills. The French Team came strong on Belgium and totally wrecked their reputation.
The pumped-up Belgian squad put up a valiant effort but could not avoid the chances of defeat. France claimed the match by polling 3-0 (26-24, 26-24, and 25-17).
In the next match on Sunday, Russian team once again rocked the podium with a spectacular performance. They maintained their dominance on the opponents and clinched success in consecutive sets. Russia was challenged by Spain in the second match. The Spaniards
constantly remained on the losing side and received a 3-0 (21-25, 15-25, and 19-25) defeat from Russia.
The last match of the day saw a thrilling encounter between Finland and Ukraine. Both teams had lost their opening matches and looked kind of raged up. It was the better chance for them to spill out their anger on each other. The match turned out to be a
heated competition and prolonged to five sets. Situation remained un-decided until the ending moments of the match. Nonetheless, victory graced Ukraine as they managed to take lead in the game with the help of 3-2 (25-21, 31-29, 17-25, 22-25, and 16-14).
The day-3 of the championship was another display of great volleyball. Russia and France kept their amazing run and finished with absolute success. Russia defeated Belgium by posting 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, and 25-23), while France earned victory against Finland.
French team was too heavy for Finnish boys. They claimed the match by sending 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, and 25-22). On the other hand, Spain collided with Ukraine and earned its first victory of the championship. The match ended with the final score of 3-1 (25-22,
29-31, 25-19, and 25-18), while Ukrainian boys left with heavy hearts.
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