Spain to take on hosts Turkey in the semis of European League – Volleyball News
Men’s national volleyball teams from Spain and Turkey are scheduled to meet in the second semi-final match of 2012 CEV European League on Saturday.
Turkey will serve as host to the visiting team from Spain, while both teams will install their bases in the city of Ankara. The Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF) Complex will host the activity and the actual action will take place at the Baskent Hall.
Spaniards started the campaign alongside Slovakia, Denmark, Greece, and Israel in Pool A. The preliminary round of the European League covered its length in five weeks and each team got a chance to play a total of twelve matches. The Spanish ‘army’ demonstrated
an immaculate display of volleyball and finished the opening round with a loss of only one match.
Spain was upset by the Israeli team in the fifth leg of the preliminaries, when the two teams crossed their ways at Steel Arena Kosice in Slovakia and contested their skills in a five-set tiring match. Much against the expectation of audience, Israel marched
away with 3-2. However, the Spaniards pulled off success in the following two matches settled for the top position in Pool A with an overall record of 11-1.
Spain’s success in the league round was mainly credited to the team Coach Fernando Munoz, who backed-up the team in difficult situations and guided them to success.
On the other hand, Turks opened the tournament in Pool B. They were accompanied by teams from the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, and Romania. Turkey did not create a huge buzz on the centre court and dropped seven out of 12 matches. Turkish squad
could only manage to take third position in the group. Nonetheless, the Confederation European de Volleyball (CEV) had already selected Ankara to host the final round of the tournament, which allowed the Turks to reserve a seat on that basis.
Now that Turkey will take on ambitious Spanish team in the semi-final match, it will be the real test of skills and temperament. Turkey will have certain advantages in the game for being the home team. The team will enjoy the support of local fans and the
competitive edge of familiar conditions. The Baskent Hall is already sold out as the rowdy Turkish fans are excited to witness the clash of Spain and Turkey.
Spanish team is determined to edge out the hosts at their home soil. The Spaniards are currently staying in the country and undergoing extensive training for the upcoming challenge. By looking at the previous statistics, it is easy to judge that Spain will
overcome the Turks. Nevertheless, it is a mystery unless the two sides come into competition on the centre court.
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