Top-8 teams of 2011 FIVB World League reach Poland – Volleyball update
The top qualifying contenders of the 2011 FIVB World League prelims earned their tickets to the Final Round competition in Poland. The eight finalists, including hosts Poland, team have setup base camps in Gdansk. The last entry was made by the American
team on Monday, July 4. The U.S. team played their last match of the preliminary stage on Saturday, which delayed their arrival in Poland. Currently, the teams are under-going extensive training and practice sessions at the Ergo Arena for the upcoming stage
of the League. The Final Round of the tournament is scheduled to take place from July 6 to 10. The qualifiers of final round have been put into two groups:
Pool E – Poland, Argentina, Italy, and Bulgaria Pool F – Brazil, Russia, United States, and Cuba
This is the third time that Poland is hosting the finals of the premier men’s international volleyball event. The President of Polish Volleyball Federation, Miroslaw Przedpelski, is grateful to Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) for giving them
another opportunity to serve as the host of the crucial stages of 2011 FIVB World League. Meanwhile, he urged the Polish team to take advantage of this chance. He said it will be a special test for the home team before the start of the Olympic Games and other
European Championships. He expressed hope that this year Poland will reach its best ever finish.
The President of FIVB, Mr. Jizhong Wei, also expressed his views and said, “Poland has a great tradition in international volleyball and the World League especially and we know how well they play, especially at home in front of their feverish fans. After
what was a thrilling race for the seven vacancies to join Poland in the Finals, which went right down to the wire, we’re looking forward to another week of intense and captivating action in the Ergo Arena to see who will be crowned World League champion
for 2011.”
USA and Brazil will open the Final Round on Wednesday, July 6. Brazil has ruled the World League in the recent years and has earned the most number of gold-medals. They have a total of 15 medals, which include 9 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 bronze medals. Italy
follows Brazil with 8 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 bronze medals. Russia, Cuba and U.S. have clinched only one gold medal apiece.
The competition will see a green light on Wednesday but before that each team will appear at the official press conference with coaches and captains on Tuesday. Reporters will be allowed to ask questions and get feedback from the different teams participating
in the event.
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