World Number 2 Russia all set to amaze the world at 2011 FIVB World League - Volleyball
The Men’s National Volleyball Team of Russia is preparing hard to showcase a memorable performance at the 2011 FIVB World League, which is set to begin this coming weekend. The competition will officially run from May 27 to July 10. The Russian Team put
up a great effort in the previous edition of the championship but missed the top slot with a narrow margin of points. The resilient rivals, Brazil, beat them in the final showdown of the 2010 FIVB World League and took away the gold. Russia had to be content
with silver for their efforts.
However, 2011 FIVB World League is just around the corner and it will provide them a great chance to live-up to their dream of holding the title trophy a second time. Russia clipped the gold-medal victory in 2002. This time around, the Russian squad has
under-gone extensive training and practice for the competition. The Russian National League matches helped the players to hone their skills. Moreover, the Russian team recently played a friendly tournament with Poland.
Overall, Russian men are enjoying great form and they will surely create a lot off buzz on centre court. They will be seeking revenge from the defending champion Brazil, if both of them get a chance to face each other in the final encounter.
Russia has been placed in Pool B along with teams from Bulgaria, Germany and Japan; while Brazil will open the tournament with Poland, United States and Puerto Rico in Pool A. Russian team will have one certain advantage in the first preliminary round because
their home city Ufa will host the matches. The hosts will get stupendous support from the local fans. In the first two fixtures of the prelims, Russia will clash with the Japanese team. It has been two years since the two sides met at the 2009 FIVB World League.
In the last meeting, Japan proved to be the better team and held off Russian team for a stunning victory. The match was played in the Russian city Surgut but home squad was unable to take advantage of playing in the presence of local fans.
The team will be headed by coach Wladimir Alekno, who is pretty confident about his team’s chances this year. He has assembled the team with great care and it has the finest players from all across Russia. Alekno has been working different strategies and
plans for the upcoming big competition. He is optimistic that he will grab success with this particular group of players. Speaking of his team, he stated, “I feel good about the players on the roster – they are the best guys we have in this country. They are
motivated and wish to play and win. I can’t name the main rivals – it’s going to be a very long tournament. Our first goal is to qualify for the finals. Every competitor can play high level volleyball.”
Local fans are in anticipating a glorious game this weekend as the tournament kicks off.
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