Russia sweeps Czech Republic in Pool B match of 2011 CEV Volleyball European Championship
The Pool B playoffs of the 2011 CEV Volleyball European Championship are under way in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The last match of the prelims in the city was held between the Czech Republic and Russia, which the Russians won in 3 back to back sets. The
contest brought in an audience of about 4600 spectators that filled the venue also included the Czech Head of State, Vaclav Klaus, as well as Andre Meyer, who is the president of the CEV.
Despite the fact that the home team had such support, they still could not muster a win and lost the match in a clean sweep to the Russians. Not only did the Czech Republic lose three sets in a row, they could not put up a commendable score in any of the
frames. The win went to the victors of the 2011 FIVB World League at the following final set scores: 25-19, 25-14 and 25-18.
The head coach of the Russian team, Vladimir Alekno, expressed himself in the following manner at the press conference that was conducted after the match had reached its close: “In my opinion yesterday’s match against a troublesome opponent helped us test
various playing options. The team’s mood has also improved. Today I could send anyone to the court and he would play well. It’s time now to move forward.”
On the other hand, the Czech coach Jan Svoboda shared his views by making these statements: “Congrats to the Russians as they played a great game. It is my task now to prepare the team for the Playoffs and do everything we can to claim a spot for the quarterfinals.”
Overall, the blocking of the Russian side gave them a huge advantage over the Czech Republic. Not only was the Russian defence doing its job well, the attackers were also relentless in their performance.
The first set of the match went on with both teams putting on a balanced performance. The score was close at 11-10 but after that point, the Russians were able to take the lead and stretch the advantage up to the point where it became difficult for Czech
Republic to overtake their opponents. It was only a matter of time before the Russians were able to bag the opening set at 25-19.
Losing the opening set of the game further decreased the performance of the Czech Republic in the second set that the Russians were able to bag in no time. Likewise, the third set was won by Russia at a significant margin.
With their recent win, the Russians have been able to secure themselves a direct ticket into the quarter-finals of the championship while the Czech Republic will be playing in Prague with the team that has come in third place in Pool D.
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