VolleyRuller96

We won first set 25-23, but we don't play really well

Already 6-2 for

Oh, nevermind, I know : COACH DECIDED THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES IN OUR SQUAD

Why do I have feeling we are going to lose against Finland 2-3

Serbia 3-2 Estonia

Well, Serbia is probably saved... just like in 2015 surprisingly they seemed to underestimate Eesti again. I feel sorry for Estonia, they have a better team than Finland, but the match against Finns probably eliminated them.

Russia 3-0 Slovenia i feel sorry for Slovenia, but this defeat is their own fault

EEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSTTTTTTIIIII 2-1 against Serbia !!!

I think I will skip to the - game

- 2:0 i thought Slovenia was going for a medal here, but they keep ruining their lead, they won't go far playing like this Literally the same happened in 2015 final, where Slovenia played better than France, had two set balls in both sets 2 and 3 and kept wasting it. Maybe they need a good psychologist...

Estonia - Serbia 1:1 So looking purely at the result, we have weaker team than Estonia

Slovenia has still the problem from EC 2015 - they lack discipline at the end of every set, and commit stupid mistakes losing the lead. Hopefully they will win S2 though, as overall they are MUCH better then Russia.

Wow, go Eesti

Russia - Slovenia 1:0 How Slovenia lost this is beyond me

Hungary cut diplomatic relations with The Netherlands

Go Slovenia

Adam Wojcik, our former (great ) NT player passed away today, aged only 47. Leukemia

3 Asian countries ( Korea, Japan and Iran ) in semifinals of u-19 World Championships our team, the defending champions finished 17th

Muranka on podium in Hakuba

Germans upset 2015 bronze medallists, Czechs win against Slovak neighbours Szczecin, Poland, August 25, 2017. The Czech Republic won the opening match in Pool B of LOTTO EUROVOLLEY POLAND 2017 in Szczecin. In a great atmosphere created by the fans at Azoty Arena, coach Michal Nekola’s squad claimed a 3-1 (25-19, 28-30, 25-16, 25-17) victory over Slovakia. Even more fans flocked to the stands for the Germany vs. Italy clash. Italian coach Andrea Giani led the Germans to a 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-19, 15-8) triumph over his compatriots. Czech Republic vs. Slovakia 3-1 (25-19, 28-30, 25-16, 25-17) The Czech Republic started the match more concentrated and quickly built up a 10-5 lead. Then Slovakia managed to measure up to their opponents in performance, which was not enough to narrow down the gap. With Donovan Dzavoronok keeping pace and the Slovaks making more mistakes, the Czechs managed to maintain their advantage through the end of the first set – 25-19. Slovakia responded with a 9-5 breakaway, extended further to 12-6 before the Czechs started mounting a comeback. With Michal Finger on fire in offence, they caught up at 16-16 to prompt a fierce battle with several switches in the lead all the way through a long overtime. In the end, it was a kill block by Slovakia’s setter Juraj Zatko that closed it off at 30-38. Great overall precision, huge blocking effort and three fiery aces in a row by Donovan Dzavoronok to finish the third set off sums it all up on the way to an impressive 25-16, which gave back the lead to the Czech Republic. The fourth set was competitive only through 9-9. Capitalising on the many mistakes of the opponents, the Czechs took control of the scoreboard and ran off with a solid lead. An unforced error on Slovakia’s side fixed the final 25-17 and stamped the victory for the Czech Republic. Michal Finger was the best scorer of the match, contributing as many as 24 points to his team’s win. Donovan Dzavoronok added 18, while Stefan Chrtiansky Jr topped the charts for Slovakia with 15 points. Ales Holubec, player of Czech Republic: "The matches against Slovakia are unique to us and we always treat them like a kind of a derby. I am glad that we were able to win because it is a perfect start of the tournament. For several years we had some troubles with winning sets at such events and, this time, on the first occasion we managed to win." Michal Nekola, coach of Czech Republic: "We started with good reception, so we entered the game and the tournament well. In the second set we made a successful chase, but still we lost our concentration at the end somehow. After the break we got back into the game and won the match, which means we are still in the tournament. This was only the first step. We have many more ahead. It is good that we have a day off tomorrow, because my team need to clear their heads." Emanuel Kohut, captain of Slovakia: "I have the impression that we lost primarily because we did not present our full potential today. Especially in the first and the third sets we did not attack at 100% and this has brought such results. In training it looked much better and our strikes had a lot more power. For some reason, we could not repeat it during the match." Andrej Kravarik, coach of Slovakia: "I think that my boys could not play well because of the pressure of a European Championship. We struggled with our serving (23 points lost), we missed the lines while attacking. The Czechs have been playing good Volleyball for a long time, and today they have confirmed it. We will continue playing and I hope the boys will show what they really can do." Germany vs. Italy 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-19, 15-8) Inspired by the crowded and noisy stands at the Azoty Arena, the two teams got right into the battle and played a very competitive first set, with frequent changes in the lead. The Germans kept their cool in the conclusive moments of the set and went up to a 25-22 win, shaped up with an ace by Simon Hirsch for the last point. The power clash continued into the second set. Until the final moments of the set the gap never exceeded two points. However, after 19-19, this time the Italians stayed more concentrated and stepped ahead. Filippo Lanza crowned his fantastic performance in this set with a brilliant back-row hit, stunning the Germans for 25-21. Italy kept the momentum into the third set and was well in control throughout its duration. The Germans came close narrowing it down to 18-19, but a rally later Filippo Lanza got a chance to shine from the serving line and took it. With two aces in a row, he helped his squad on the way to a 23-18 lead, which moments later was converted into a 25-19 win. After 8-8, Germany took tight grip on the fourth set. Both György Grozer and Denys Kaliberda were on fire at the net. Grozer chipped in with a couple of aces too. Italy never recovered and the Germans cruised to a 25-19 success to re-tie the match. Coach Giani’s men were quick to set their foot on the tie-breaker too. Grozer continued to shine in both spiking and blocking and led his team to a 15-8 close and a sweet victory over the 2015 bronze medallists. György Grozer was the man of the match hammering out 28 points for his team’s win. Denys Kaliberda added another 17. Luca Vettori was Italy’s best scorer with 18 points, while his teammate Filippo Lanza made 17. Germany’s Marcus Böhme, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on the day of the match, came in as a sub during the second set. Lukas Kampa, captain of Germany: "The serving and the blocking were our key factors to win the game. There were some moments of crisis, but overall it was a perfect teamwork. Now we have to sleep well and recover before the match against the Czechs." Denys Kaliberda, player of Germany: "During the match I was not sure who was going to win. We had to play point-to-point, improve reception and, finally, thanks to the team effort, we won. But both teams were prepared well. There are two matches ahead of us. We have to perform on a high level. Fortunately, we do not play tomorrow, so we can have enough rest for the match on Sunday." Andrea Giani, coach of Germany: "The Italian national team is a current runner-up of the Olympic Games. We knew that it would be hard to play against them. I am glad that my team showed its value and even if we struggled at the beginning with 1-2 in sets, we were able to stand up and fight for victory." Matteo Piano, player of Italy: "I think it was a good match. Germany played better at the end, and it was the only difference between us that gave them the victory. On the paper, the rest of this group seems to be easier to play against, but neither Slovakia nor the Czech Republic have to deal with such pressure as we do." Simone Giannelli, player of Italy: "The serving of the Germans was crucial for the fate of the tie-break. They played well and caused a lot of problems to our reception. I guess it was the key element that enabled them to win."

Belgium down France, Turkey serve four-setter upset on first day of #EuroVolleyM in Pool D Katowice, Poland, August 25, 2017. Turkey and The Netherlands, both not mentioned as favourites, fought to ease their way to the next round in the LOTTO EUROVOLLEY POLAND 2017 opener in Pool D in Katowice. The four-setter fully satisfied the spectators gathered in Spodek Arena with some really effective turns, with Turkey taking the first victory 3-1 (25-19, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22) against the Dutch team. Turkey vs. The Netherlands 3-1 (25-19, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22) Starting the first set with an efficient block performed by Jasper Diefenbach and Robbert Andringa, the Netherlands opened play in Pool D. Well-played defence on both sides of the court as well as outside hitters doing their job made the game even until the first technical time-out, when the Netherlands jumped ahead by one point. Their advantage grew to three points (11-8) after a fierce attack by Diefenbach. Nevertheless, Turkey didn’t stay behind and a spectacular block performed by Gökhan Gökgöz pushed his team into four points leading at the second technical time-out. The first set was finished 25-19 with an efficient attack through middle by Faik Güneş. The Netherlands came back into the game, and the first technical time-out took place with just a one-point Turkish lead (8-7). Staying focused and keeping good passing, the Dutch players were able to set and finish some efficient kills by Diefenbach, Thijs ter Horst and Nimir Abdel-Aziz which allowed them to catch up at 15-15. Although a triple block performed by the Oranjes being cheered up by their fans gathered in Spodek Arena put some new hope on the Dutch side of the court, the set was finished 25-22 after the ace performed by Burutay Subasi. After the ten-minute break, the Netherlands showed a solid block performance. However, it was Turkey who led at the first technical time-out 8-7. The situation changed during the second technical time-out when the Netherlands regained their strength and jumped up at 16-14. Efficient attacks by Wouter ter Maat and his ace service let the Oranjes extend their lead to 20-17 and win the set 25-21. The fourth set started with the Turkey’s domination. Smart play by Arslan Ekşi put his team five points ahead at the first technical time-out and gave Turkey the opportunity to fully control the game and take a few risks at the service line. Spectacular defences followed by well-kept play at the middle of the net by Mert Matic prevented the Netherlands from gaining contact points easily. The Turkish opposite Metin Toy showed his best and Turkey stayed on the lead 17-14. When their advantage was reduced to one point (19-18), Josko Milenkoski called a time out to help his players keep their focus and win the set 25-22 with an efficient double block. Quotes Jasper Diefenbach, The Netherlands captain: “This was going to be our most important match in this round so it is very, very disappointing that we have lost this match. We didn’t play our best game. We started the first set with some difficulties. But I can compliment Turkey for their nice game. We made plenty of mistakes, especially in the fourth set.” Gido Vermeulen, The Netherlands coach: “I think that Turkey played a really good, aggressive game. One of the elements they dominated over us was their attack, which they executed very well.” Arslan Ekşi, Turkey captain: “First of all we are happy that we won the first match of the #EuroVolley, because our group is so difficult - we are facing reigning European champions France, then Belgium and The Netherlands. We won our first match, but we had a lot of problems in this summer season. All of the players did their best, so we started this competition in a good way. Our next match is with Belgium so we will do our best against them.” Josko Milenkoski, Turkey coach: “It was a really important match for us and a very difficult one. We are ready and awaiting the next matches.” Belgium vs. France 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12) The match began with an exchange of long rallies as both teams fought well in defence. After some efficient spikes performed by Sam Deroo and Tomas Rousseaux, it was Belgium who gained four points leading (9-5). Trying to find the answer to the opponents’ strength, France run their block by Kevin Le Roux and Benjamin Toniutti followed by a fierce kill by Stephen Boyer, bringing three-coloured two points to their chase. Quite unexpectedly, Belgium led 16-12 at the second technical time-out and were able to win a tough ending 25-22 after a fierce middle spike by Bram Van de Voorde. An even beginning of the second set was caused mainly by mistakes on both sides. At 5-5 Trévor Clevenot performed a middle kill which put France 6-5 ahead. With an ace served by Kevin Le Roux, France caught up at 10-10. Well kept passing and defence on both sides let the spectators see many long rallies with fierce kills. Double block by Julien Lyneel and Kevin Le Roux put France 16-14 ahead at the second technical time-out. Two time-outs called by Vital Heynen - the second one after Lyneel’s ace - didn’t help Belgium to regain the strength and it was France who won this part 25-23. After the great performance in service, France run to 6-2 leading in the third set. Despite Belgium tries to earn more points with Tomas Rousseaux’s spikes, it was France who led 8-4 during the first technical time-out. Nicolas Le Goff’s kill helped three-coloured to keep the four points lead (10-6). Catching up at 12-12 Belgium forced Laurent Tillie to call a time out. This didn’t help much and after Lyneel’s long shot Belgium run one point ahead (13-12). Mostly due to Bram van den Dries and Pieter Verhees’s spikes, Belgium managed to stay focused and win the set 25-21. Playing with some pressure in the fourth set France tried to show their power from the very beginning, but Belgium stayed focused and didn’t let the opponent run ahead. After fierce middle spike by Thibault Rossard, France managed to jump up to 4-3 and extended the leading to two points at the first technical time-out (8-6). With good performance from the service line Le Roux helped his team to jump 13-9 ahead. Despite trying to improve their passing, Belgium didn’t have arguments to stop France who finished the fourth set 25-23. Tie-break started with Belgium leading 4-1. It was Le Goff and Clevenot who tried to change the score for the French side. Belgium eventually stretched the leading to 8-5 at a technical time out. The team kept control, maintaining the advantage until their victory at 15-12. Quotes Benjamin Toniutti, France captain: “Team Belgium deserved this victory. We have played badly and we have suffered in this match. We did not enter this tournament as we have wanted. Tomorrow we’ll have to train and work hard because we need to win on Sunday.“ Laurent Tillie, France coach: “Right now medal is very far ahead of us, but it was just the first match. We played with a very good team, which caused us a lot of problems. We lost our rhythm throughout the match and they played with enthusiasm and much more consistency in block. We have to find back our pace. Our situation in pool D is now much more complicated and we have to win on Sunday if we want to think about medal.” Bram Van Den Dries, Belgium opposite: “We played very well today in all elements. We believed in the final success from the start until the end, we didn't give up even when we were a few points behind France, like for example in the 4th set - we fought for each ball. We like to play against France, usually we performed really well in these matches.” Vital Heynen, Belgium coach: “I'm really happy not only with the win, but also with our performance today. Our win is more than a surprise. I think nobody, even we, expected that we can defeat French team - the big favour to regain the title. We won the first set and we felt that we can achieve a good result today, that everything is possible. Today we played well in block and defence. It was a hard and long match so I'm happy that now we have a day off and we can prepare well to the next game against Turkey.”

Ok, so both and lost their first games which means they will probably play in 1/12 finals. But Italy plays in Group B, while France plays in group B. So this means they can actually play against each other before quarterfinals

Germany 3-2 Italy Another surprise today

Belgium 3-2 France unbevielable win for

Germany 2-2 Italy