Russia vs. USA match preview – 2011 FIVB World League – Final Round
Two archrivals of the volleyball world, Russia and USA are set to face each other in the opening match of 2011 FIVB World League Final Round. The volleyball scrimmage will start at 11:00 in the Polish City Gdansk. The stunning Ergo Arena is fully decorated
and ready to provide ground for an exciting match. Russia and USA have been placed in Pool F of the Final Round. The pool is composed of total four teams, which also include defending champion Brazil and Caribbean team from Cuba.
The runner-up team of last year’s FIVB World League, Russia advanced to the Final Round by exhibiting a flawless performance in the preliminary robin round, which continued from May 27 to July 2. Russia proved to be the best team in Pool B and launched total
authority over group members. Russian ‘army’ spent five week undefeated. They came across teams from Bulgaria, Germany and Japan but no one could hinder their performance. Russia compiled a perfect record of 10-0 in five weeks and booked a slot in the Final
Round of the Tournament.
Team was relaxed after reserving a seat in the Final Round. However, Germany took the best opportunity to seek revenge from Russia in last week of the prelims. It was the first and only one time that Russia was defeated during the 2011 FIVB World League
prelims. It didn’t bring any harm to overall position of Russia but their winning streak was broken anyway. Russia finished the preliminary stage with the final score of 11-1.
On the other hand, Olympic Champion U.S. team started its journey for the second World League title in Pool A (Last time the captured the World League Title was in 2008). U.S. team had tough competition in group with teams like Brazil and Poland. Boys around
head coach Alan Knipe experienced many ups and downs but finally managed to make it to the Final round. They finished with the final record of 8-4 and bagged a total of 23 points. American team defeated Puerto Rico in the last match of preliminary round.
At the end of the prelims, the head coach of the U.S. team expressed his views. He said his team did not get huge of points but he was happy that they reserved a berth in the Final Round. That was what needed by the team, most essentially. No doubt U.S.
team had tough choices to make, while playing against best teams of the world in Pool A. Alan Knipe accepted that it was the toughest group in his three years of World League.
However, both Russia and USA have successfully covered the early stage and now the Final Round matches will test their game skills and tactics. Russian team has good energy for the upcoming match. Vladimir Alekno, the head coach of Russian team is resolved
to keep up the same momentum in Final Round and lead his team to success. Russia has strong team-line and players like Maxim Mikhaylov and Captain Taras Khtei really have the ability to make a difference.
Likewise, American side is also equipped with powerful hitters. William Priddy, Clay Stanley and Ryan Miller will be the top guns in U.S. Team. There is just two hours’ time left in the official opening of the match. Once the teams will get down to the
centre court, things will become more evident.
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