Turkey tops Pool ‘A’ rankings in the first round – 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship
Turkey is the prestigious host of 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship this year. Usually, a total of sixteen girls’ under-19 teams gathered in the Turkish City Ankara and kicked off the action this past Friday, August 12.
The girls’ wonderful international event will reach its final stage on Sunday, August 21. Initially, the tournament was opened with the preliminary round matches. Teams were divided into four pools, where each pool was composed to four teams. Hosts Turkey
was joined by Poland, Egypt, and Algeria in Pool A.
According to the pre-defined schedule of Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB), each team was supposed to appear in three matches of preliminary round. Turkish team was challenged by pool members on respective days. The fans got to see some heavy
thumping on the centre court as Turks stroke with guest teams from other countries.
The enormous emotional support of local fans, familiar conditions, and skill-set of players proved to be a big advantage for local team and they kept on making shocking waves. Turkey finished the first round of the tournament on August 14 and remained undefeated.
They put up against Algeria, Egypt, and Poland respectively and maintained their perfect momentum in the game. Turkey clean-swept in all matches and bagged nine points to get hold of the top-spot in Pool A.
Turkey had a fairly good energy to beat underdog Algeria in consecutive three sets in the first match. Algerian team couldn’t penetrate the power of Turkish attack and easily gave up. As a result victory graced home team and awarded them three points. The
second match brought African team of Egypt in the court against Turkey. The local team repeated the same wonderful act and pulled off success by defeating Egypt in straight sets. In the last match against Poland, Turkish team staged another incredible show
of volleyball. The match was played at totally sold-out Baskent Sports Hall in Ankara and home team posted 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, and 25-15) on board.
Talking of the success on third day of the tournament, Turkey’s Head Coach Sahin Catma said that it is a team of players and spectators. He praised the combined effort of players and sincerely appreciated the support of local fans. He called as a part of
the crew. After winning the first round, he seemed confident to make a good start in the next round. Turks are scheduled to take on Germany in the next match on Tuesday. Catma is all focused on getting his team ready for the upcoming scrimmage.
He concluded his remarks in the following manner, “The next match we will play with Germany, it is a good team. Our target is to increase our performance day-by-day and to perform in the final day.”
Damla Cakiroglu, the captain girl of Turkish squad also confirmed the ambition for further progress in the tournament. She stated that they will try to increase their performance in the upcoming matches.
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