The success story of Bulgaria in FIVB Volleyball Championship
Bulgaria jumped on the board of FIVB Men’s World Championship to represent Confederation European de Volleyball (CEV). They performed a stellar performance and gave out their best to earn good reputation. Bulgaria entered the championship with the label
of an average team but they really turned many heads around in the second round by a flawless performance. They finished the second round in top spot, and in the way they also defeated the reigning champion Brazil with a score of 3-0.
Bulgaria performed well in third round and qualified to play for the 7th position in final round of the FIVB Men’s World Championship. Quite similarly Germany paved its way to the 7th position match and challenged Bulgaria.
Bulgaria vs. Germany 3-0 (26-24, 26-24, and 25-21)
Bulgaria clashed with Germany on the 9th October, 2010 at Palapanini sports hall in Modena, Italy. Both of the teams fought with dignity and staged a closed fight. Bulgaria put their magic in the game and dismissed Germany, in order to capture
the 7th slot in world rankings.
The head coach of Bulgaria, Silvano Prandi prepared the team for this big competition. He defined the positions for players and assigned them the job of thrashing Germany. Konstantin Mitev held his position as setter, Vladimir Nikolov and Kaziysky firmly
captured their spots as opposite and outside hitters, while Nikolay stood in the middle blocker's position; Teodor Alksiev was given the tough position of defence expert (libero).
Likewise, German coach, Lozano picked Simon Tischer as team-setter, Shops, Kromm and Andrea as hitters, Christian Dunnes and Max Gunthor for middle block, while Ferdinand Tille was most suitable for libero’s position.
First set
Bulgaria opened the first set with sound serves and floaters. They hit Germany’s defence line and targeted the ball in gaps. The perfect line-shots and strong spikes landed in the right spots and enabled Bulgaria to pick up a lead of 10-5. Germany was under
siege as they served too many faulty serves and illegal shots. Vladimir Nikolov, the Captain of Bulgarian squad aggressively attacked and devastated Germans with continuous attack. Bulgaria made next stop at 19-12, while Germany struggled to narrow the gap
of points.
Germans put an effort with the help of Patrick Steuerwald who produced better serves and helped their score to rise-up. The tie at 23 created hope for Germans and they tried to quickly jump to the finish line. Somehow, Bulgaria hit killing aces and scored
consecutive points to finish the first set. They posted 26-24 and secured the first set victory.
Second set
Before the start of second set, German players sat together and brainstormed a new plan to overpower Bulgarian side. They opened the second set and confirmed their ambition for better status by achieving a lead of 15-12 after the first technical timeout
(FTT). The crowd of 5,000 people cheered at the winning shots and made huge noises to encourage the players. Robert Kromm played a vital role in Germany’s revival. Bulgaria spent a little time to grasp the game plan and strategy of opposite side. They responded
Germany with speedy spikes and quick under-hand shots.
The score was tied at 19-19 before Nikolay Nikolov extended Bulgaria’s score to 23-21 with the help of influential serve. Bulgaria was back in business, while Germany felt the potential fear of loss in second set. Germany’s Schops defended his team’s position
and once again brought the game to an even point at 24-24. At this point, the game was in most crucial phase. Finally Bulgaria achieved the mark by hitting point-scoring shots in the end and won the second set at 26-24.
Third set
The clear dimension was defined for Bulgaria after two sets’ win. Nevertheless, Germany kept the same momentum and attacked with same energy. Despite of their great effort and good plan, Germany was unsuccessful in the game. It seemed as if they were out
of luck. The third set also slipped out of their hands and Bulgaria won the third set by posting 25-21.
Bulgaria settled for the 7th-spot in FIVB Men’s World Championship 2010.
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