Russia maintains winning streak of 10 matches – 2011 FIVB World League
World No. 2 Russia ousted Germany in the second match of 5th week on Friday, June 24. They built up the score of 3-1 (27-29, 25-20, 25-17, and 28-26) and claimed victory over Germans at their home soil.
The Max-Schmeling-Halle Sports team collapsed in the hands of Russia. Hall in German City Berlin was the home of action. A large number of local fans had come to support their team but sadly they left with heavy hearts as German team collapsed in the hands
of Russia.
First set of the match saw numerous serve errors from both sides. Germans were comparatively better as Schops Jochen made good use of his hands and hit the ball skilfully. He shots deceived the Russian blockers and benefitted the Germans.
In the meantime, Germany’s Macus Bohme offered some solid blocking to Russian hitters and saved many crucial points. The game of ‘hit and run’ continued till the end and there was extremely no telling about the outcome of first set until the final whistle
of referee. Anyhow, Germany finished the opening set at 29-27 following a triple block.
In the second set, Russian head coach realigned the player-positions. Denis Biriukov was called in to replace IIinykh. The new comer showcased his skills and proved to be a detractor for German team. Russia led the score and added quick points to reach the
end. Germans came from different sides and applied their tactics to down Russian side but nothing worked out. Russia continued with success and levelled the game score by winning second set.
With success in second set, Russia recovered from the shock of defeat in opening set. They remained on the same course and didn’t allow hosts to come up. Heavy strike of volleys by Mikhaylov and excellent blocking by Dmitriy led Russia to another set-win.
Russia moved one-step ahead of Germany with the score of 2-1.
The rhythm and tone was set for Russia to keep their dominance in the game. They dragged Germany under pressure and made a strong opening in fourth set. The clouds of uncertainty started hovering on German side and they slipped fourth set with a difference
of two points. Russia won the match and added 10thvictory to their tally.
The match was followed by a press conference, where the coaches and captains of both teams disclosed their thoughts about the match. Media personnel were allowed to ask different question, which they answered. The head coach of home team, Raul Lozano faced
a lot of music as his team failed to create a chance of celebration for local volleyball enthusiasts.
The German Coach stated, “We are not in the situation to test some players versus a team like Russia. My goal was to give praxis to my starting players for making experience and to win in the future versus teams from the world´s top. We played better in
service and block than yesterday but not so well in defence.”
Robert Kromm, the captain of German team said, “Russia played powerful and constantly today. We started well and had in the following sets our chances, too. But we have to lay down our respect versus teams like Russia.”
Russian team captain, Taras Khtei was the centre of attention as his team cropped out good results. He appreciated the support of head coach Vladimir Alekno, which actually led them to victory.
Tags: