Vakifbank searching for home win in the next match against Azerrail
Vakifbank Turk Telekom from Istanbul, Turkey and Azerbaijan’s Azerrail Baku are the two top contenders playing at the prelims of 2012 CEV Women’s Champions League in Pool D.
The prelims have covered three legs so far. In the first week of preliminary round-robin, both teams took on different competitors and maintained a perfect record of 2-0. However, third leg of the round brought Vakifbank in competition with Azerrail. The
Sarhadchi Olympic Sports Complex in Baku provided the backdrop for the match.
The host Azerrail was equipped with full support of local fans and had the advantage of playing under familiar conditions. Using the winning edge, Azerrail posted a straight set win over Vakifbank on December 14. It was the first loss for Turkish ladies
during the prelims. The Azerbaijani squad performed amazingly well and thrashed Turkish winning streak of two matches.
Nevertheless, Vakifbank has the chance to take revenge from Azerrail in the next home game, which is due on Tuesday, December 20 in Istanbul. The Burhan Felek Hall in TVF Complex will host the match. Following the loss of their previous match in Baku, Turk
ladies are desperate to take on the resilient rivals and to settle the tussle. Turkey has a passionate volleyball fans following and it is likely that good number of local fans will come to support the team. Moreover, the team has undergone some extensive
training during the past few days. The defending champions from the previous season of the European Champions League are pretty much sure to do well in the match.
The Head Coach Giovanni Guidetti is all focused to enable his team to win the next important match.
Explaining the cause of failure in previous match against Azerrail, he said, “We really played a very bad game in Baku. We had many meetings after this defeat to reset the minds of our players, especially as generally speaking we are not that satisfied with
the way we have been playing so far this season. Yesterday the players showed their desire to take an immediate revenge during our last training session and I am sure their dream will come true on Tuesday night.”
Meanwhile, the Turkish skipper, Gözde Kirdar Sonsirma, revealed the similar feelings. She hoped that unlike last time the team will stick to the plan. She seemed determined to give exactly what the home audience are expecting from the team.
From a layman’s point of view, Turkey has the winning edge in the team but not to forget that Azerrail will never give it so easily to hosts. Turks will be required to put in body, mind, and soul, in order to win.
Azerrail should not be taken as a weak opponent. They have the experience of beating Vakifbank before. And most essentially, they are aware of the potential risks of playing in front of the strange audience. They will show their attack and defence tactics
to improve their winning record. Anything is possible but do check back for latest results and news.
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