World Volleyball Championship 2010 - Third Round: US 3-0
thrash France
The fun-packed 2010 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship has entered its third and crucial round. The championship, which started its journey with 6-bracket elimination, has successfully covered its two segments so far.
24 teams from five continents appeared on the scene to play the first round. The first preliminary round ignited the fire and each team played three matches. At the round's end, 6 failing teams got their tickets back to home.
The second round welcomed the remaining 18 teams, who were now scheduled to play two more matches each. This round also resulted in the elimination of six more teams due to their lack of good performance. With this, only 12 teams remain on the board to play
the third round.
These teams are divided into four pools: Pool O, Pool P, Pool Q and Pool R. Two Italian cities, Rome and Florence are scheduled to host the third round pool play matches. So, this is high time for the teams to demonstrate their best.
United States of America is one of the qualifiers of third round. The U.S. team has surely put body, mind and soul in their game to gain good reputation. It is placed with volleyball powerhouse, Italy and France in Pool O. U.S. played their first match of
the third round against France and clinched victory by posting 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, and 25-23).
Key Points:
Fixture: United States vs. France Match : 55th City : Rome Venue: Palalottomatica Spectators: 2,700 Date : 04.10.2010 Match Referees: Cholakian Rolando (ARG) & BJeLic Zorica (SRB)
First Set:
Coach Alan Knipe's team opened the first set with some powerful serves and tricky floaters. Stanley Clayton of USA threw the ball with accuracy. The U.S. team played with a fine plan and each of its players seemed to have been assigned a special job. US
scored some early points and created a strong impression on the French.
The opponents had also brought in their skilled hitters and blockers. France stayed behind the attack-line as US looked to be in destructive mode. Rooney Sean's hard-hitting earned America a few consecutive points. Antiga Stephane of France tried to put
up with the American spikes and helped his team attain a little stability.
But still, France lagged behind in the score chase while America widened the points' gap. In the 21st minute of first set, US declared 25-16 victory over France.
Second Set:
The second set also favoured the dominant American team as France was forced to play defensively. Marchal Nocolas attempted many attacks but still France's score progressed with low pace. On the other side of the net, US team hit some nice under-hand shots
and kept the ball mostly under their control.
Team USA remained in commanding position with the help of Priddy William and Lee David. Priddy proved to be an expert hitter and Lee showed his talent on the net. France was restricted to 14 points as Americans decorated the scoreboard with 25-14 and announced
their rule in the game.
Third Set:
The U.S. team looked more than happy to have captured the first two sets. They started the third set with a determination to finally win the match. Nonetheless, France acted like an injured lion.
They hit back with full power and attempted to dismantle the American muscle. The combat continued with an aggressive tone for 26 minutes but France couldn’t succeed in pushing US behind. U.S. team won the third set also with 25-23.
Sean remained the top scorer with his 15 attack attempts and 9 valuable points for US. Moreover, the U.S. team has its next big match today against Italy which will again put their abilities to test.
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