Month: June 2020

Dinamo Kazan beat Omichka Omsk in the third round of the Women’s Superleague and still maintains ‘the undefeated ‘status. The same achievement can be boasted about by Dinamo Krasnodar. This team won Fakel Novy Urengoy in four sets.

A duel between Dinamo Kazan and Omichka Omsk was the match of the week. Both teams are considered two major candidates to the championship of Russia, however, only Kazan has been able to come up to expectations so far confirming this dependence in the game against Omichka. Dinamo, led by Ekaterina Gamova, started the match correctly, gaining a relevant advantage from the beginning and later, This scenario was repeated in each of the sets. Gamova was the top scorer of Dinamo Kazan with 15 points (40% in attack) followed by Tatiana Kosheleva with 11, including one ace. Among Omichka Omsk, Natalya Mammadova as the only supported his team quite well. She scored 16 points in attack with 46% effectiveness and added one block.

In another match, Falel Novy Urengoy faced Dinamo Krasnodar. The first set of the game delivered unexpected solution. Fakel won it after an exciting finish, but it was a great beginning with a sad the end. In consecutive parts, Krasnodar has already been dominating and its significant advantage was particularly pronounced in the last set, which Dinamo defeated 25-11.

In Dinamo Krasnodar, Destinee Hooker collected 25 points (39% efficiency in attack), including six aces and six blocks. Among Urengoy, Rogacheva scored 17 (52% efficiency) and 2 blocks.

All results

Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg – Tyumen-TyumGU 3:0 (25:22, 25:21, 25:17)
Top Scorer: Chaplina 13, Zaryazhko 13, S.Filipova 13, Pasynkova 11; Sotnikova 12, Zhitova 9, Naumova-Bondar 9, Topic 7

Omichka Omsk – Dinamo Kazan 0:3 (18:25, 17:25, 22:25)
Top Scorer: Mammadova 16, Podskalnaya 9, Sazhina 8, Alisheva 4; Gamova 15, Kosheleva 11, Borodakova-Borisenko 10, Moroz 6

Fakel Novy Urengoy – Dinamo Krasnodar 1:3 (25:23, 20:25, 22:25, 11:25)
Top Scorer: Rogacheva 17, Fofinha 14, Alimova 10, Joycinha 9; Hooker 25, Sherban 15, Havelkova 12, Osichkina 10

Ufimochka-UGNTU Ufa – Dinamo Moscow 0:3 (21:25, 22:25, 19:25)
Top Scorer: Barboza 14, Pronina 12, Ivanova 8, Sharavskaya 4; Goncharova-Obmochaeva 22, Osmokrovic 11, Morozova 9, Krivets 8

Proton Saratov – Yenisei Krasnoyarsk 3:1 (24:26, 25:22, 25:16, 29:27)
Top Scorer: Not published

Zarechie Odintsovo – Severstal Cherepovets 3:0 (25:20, 25:17, 26:24)
Top Scorer: Isaeva 18, Del Core 13, Bogacheva 8, Malykh 8, Angeloni 8; Kutyukova 12, Alajbeg 11, Dianskaya 8, Vesovic 5

Standings
Dinamo Kazan 8
Dinamo Krasnodar 8
Zarechie Odintsovo 7
Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg 7
Dinamo Moscow 7
Omichka Omsk 6
Tyumen-TyumGU 4
Fakel Novy Urengoy 3
Proton Saratov 3
Severstal Cherepovets 1
Yenisei Krasnoyarsk 0
Ufimochka-UGNTU Ufa 0

Click Here: new zealand rugby team jerseys

Zenit Kazan overcame Lokomotiv Novosibirsk in the most prestigious game of the 11th Superleague’s leg. The champions of Russia reduced a point loss to Novosibirsk and is losing only 3 points. In another match, Gazprom Yurga Surgut made a consecutive victory beating Belogorie Belgorod.

Zenit Kazan achieved away-victory over the leader of the pool of blue in the Russian Superleague, Lokomotiv Novosibirsk. The tie-break win, Zenit Kazan mainly owes Matthew Anderson, who scored 19 points noting 64% of efficiency in attack. Anderson along with Maxim Mikhaylov raised Zenit up after the first set lost 15-25 and led their team to win two next sets, but it was not enough. Lokomotive did not give up and equalized the result of the meeting, however, Zenit withstood better the match hardships and won the tie-break 15-12. Marcus Nilsson was the best scorer of the battle scoring 24 points.

Group of Blue
Lokomotiv Novosibirsk – Zenit Kazan 2:3 (25:15, 20:25, 22:25, 25:19, 12:15)
Top Scorers: Nilsson 24, Divis 17, Volvich 11, Biryukov 10, Gutsalyuk 9; Anderson 19, Mikhaylov 19, Sivozhelez 17, Abrosimov 10, Apalikov 7

Kuzbass Kemerovo – Ural Ufa 1:3 (19:25, 25:23, 16:25, 21:25)
Top Scorers: Moroz 21, Poroshin 13, Andrae 11, Parkhomchuk 7; Spiridonov 25, Vissotto 21, Kazakov 10, Ashchev 10, Abramov 8

Gazprom Yugra Surgut – Belogorie Belgorod 3:1 (26:28, 25:18, 25:13, 31:29)
Top Scorers: Todorov 19, Mysin 19, Rodichev 17, Aleksiev 14; Muserskiy 22, Ilinykh 8, Grozer 7, Fomenko 7, Zhigalov 7

Yaroslavich Yaroslavl – Grozny 1:3 (25:18, 21:25, 19:25, 26:28)
Top Scorers: Kolesnik 17, Mezhonnov 12, Filippov 10, Logunov 10; Shipotko 23, Bestuzhev 19, Tohtash 11, Antipkin 7

Group of Red
Shakhtar Soligorsk – Dinamo Moscow 2:3 (25:21, 21:25, 20:25, 25:16, 8:15)
Top Scorers: Nemer 16, Avdochenko 15, Udris 15, Levchenko 10; Kruglov 19, Markin 14, Shcherbinin 13, Nikitin 9

Dinamo Krasnodar – Prikam Perm 3:0 (26:24, 27:25, 25:14)
Top Scorers: Conte 16, Mochalov 14, Nosenko 13, Khoroshev 7; Karpenko 12, Kozitsin 9, A. Kovalev 8, Zakharov 6, Kovalev 6

Click Here: Cardiff Blues Store

Iskra Odintsovo – Fakel Novy Urengoy 3:1 (25:19, 25:20, 23:25, 26:24)
Top Scorers: Schmitt 17, Kalinin 16, Burtsev 14, Koulechov 13, Bogomolov 6; Bakun 24, Kritskiy 10, Titich 9, Roca 9, Melnik 5

Gubernia Nizhny Novgorod – Lokomotiv Kharkhiv 3:1 (25:23, 25:19, 23:25, 30:28)
Top Scorers: Pavlov 26, Ostapenko 12, Nikic 9, Esko 8, Lyamin 7; Tyutlin 28, V. Ivanov 17, Kapaiev 10, Rudnytskyi 9, Iereshchenko 5

Standings:
Group of Blue:

1. Lokomotiv Novosibirsk 28
2. Zenit Kazan 25
3. Gazprom Yugra Surgut 23
4. Ural Ufa 21
5. Belogorie Belgorod 19
6. Grozny 12
7. Kuzbass Kemerovo 11
8. Yaroslavich Yaroslavl 7

Group of Red:

1. Fakel Novy Urengoy 22
2. Gubernia Nizhny Novgorod 20
3. Dinamo Krasnodar 19
4. Dinamo Moscow 16
5. Iskra Odintsovo 16
6. Lokomotiv Kharkhiv 14
7. Prikam Perm 6
8. Shakhtar Soligorsk 5

In semi-finals Jastrzebski Wegiel beat Zaksa Kedzierzyn 3:0. Also Politechnika Warszawa scored on their way to 5th place.

Zaksa Kedzierzyn-Kozle came to Jastrzebie to play only one game before they go to Russia to join the best European teams of this season in Final Four of Champions League.  This first match of semi-finals was strongly thrilling, but only during the first and the second set. They were quite similar – Zaksa was leading all the way and then Jastrzebie speeded up and won it all. The third set was short and a little bit humiliating for the guests. Jastrzebie got a huge advantage (11:1!) and there was no other possibility for this game to end – hosts kept the first victory at home and Zaksa will have to regroup really quickly in order to fight in Final Four. I wish Zaksa all the best in this tournament. The whole world of Polish volleyball need this success  – said Michal Lasko during the press conference.

Jastrzebski Wegiel – Zaksa Kedzierzyn-Kozle 3:0 (27:25, 28:26, 25:15)
MVP: Michal Lasko

On the other game that day, Kielce experienced a tough defeat with AZS Warszawa. Especially the first set was unforgettable, as Warszawa won with the result… 35:33! This extremely thrilling part was closed by Marcin Nowak who scored an ace. Politechnika felt their good day and got a safe distance from the beginning in the second set (8:5). Head coach of Kielce, Dariusz Daszkiewicz, substituted some of his players, but Effector continued to make more mistakes and AZS knew how to make a use out of it. Warszawa did not let go any second and the rest of the game was rather easy for them. Effector lost at home 3:0 and Warszawa is leading 1:0 in the general competition in play offs.

Effector Kielce – AZS Politechnika Warszawa 0:3  (33:35, 17:25, 20:25)
MVP: Maciej Pawlinski

Click Here: Maori All Blacks Store

The Netherlands and Portugal paid their opponents back for Friday’s failures  scoring the first points this season. Only a game between Korea and Japan did not bring any unexpected twists and took leadership in Pool C at least for the following week.

Finland – Portugal 2 – 3 (25-23, 23-25, 23-25, 25-23, 12-15)

Finalnd: Esko 4, Sivula 6, Matti Oivanen 11, Mikko Oivanen 26, Siltala 5, Shumov 7, Rajala (L) and Seppanen 9, Tervaporti, Kerminen, Hietanen 5, Lehtonen

Portugal: Pinheiro 3, Andre 10, Jose 8, Sequeira 26, Alex 21, Marcel 1, Coelho (L) and Violas, Casas, Botas 5

The guests managed to take a giant leap in 24 hours as the team was blanked 3-0 the night before in Helsinki Ice Hokey Hall.

Portugal played much better in the first set than they had on Friday, holding a five point lead at one point, but the Finns managed to steal the set in the closing stages. Konstantin Shumov blocked well, and his decisive spike gave Finland a 25-23 win.

The Portuguese took the driving seat in the second set, leading by four points. Finland again crept back, but Portugal won their first set of the weekend 25-23, partly thanks to the effective spiking of Valdir Sequeira, who got seven point in the set. 1-1.

Portugal led the third set 16-13 at the second technical time out, but inconsistent serving wasted points. The Finns were not blocking at their best, though, and Portugal piled up the spikes to lead 24-19. Finnish substitute Niklas Seppanen hammered winners three times via Portuguese blocks, but Alexandre Ferreira tookthe set for Portugal with a great spike. It was another set that ended 25-23.

The fourth set also finished 25-23 – this time to Finland.The Oivanen twins, Mikko and Matti, excelled in the later stages, and a decisive set was forced.

It was a thriller, just like the previous four: the teams tied nine times, but in the end Portugal broke a 12-12deadlock with a smart tip from Andre Reis Lopes. This was followed by a hit from Jose Joao and a block by the excellent Shumov. Portugal took the set 15-12 and clinched the match.

Outside hitter Valdir Sequeira finished with 23 spike points in 46 attempts, for a total of 26 points.  He was followed by the well serving Alex Ferreira with 13 from spikes and seven from serves totalling 21. For Finland, top scorer Mikko Oivanen had 26 points, with 20 spikes.

Canada – The Netherlands 1 – 3 (22-25, 17-25, 25-20, 23-25)

Canada: Schneider 2, Winters 6, Simac 6, Schmitt 17, Perrin 10, Vigrass 7, Bann (L) and Faucher 1, Mainville 2, Van Lankvelt 6, Brinkman 4

The Netherlands: Abdel-Aziz 5, Ter Horst 19, Koelewijn 8, Kooistra 21, Rauwerdink 9, Van Bemmelen 10, Jorna (L) and Freriks, Van Garderen  

Wytze Kooistra was the top scorer for the Netherlands with 21 points while Thijs Ter Horst added 19 and Bas van Bemmelen 10. Gavin Schmitt led Canada with 17 and Gordon Perrin added 10.

The Netherlands took command early by winning the first two sets, including a six-point run to finish out the second.

The Canadians however rebounded with a strong third set much to the relief of the 3,600 spectators at the Colisee. They pulled away late in the set earning seven of eight points to grab a 23-17 lead.

The fourth set went down to the wire with the two teams exchanging leads before the Dutch closed it out with two unanswered points.

Canada’s next four World League matches are in Mississauga, Ontario, at the Hershey Center: June 7-8 against Portugal and June 14-15 against South Korea. The Dutch meanwhile return home to host Japan on June 8-9 in Apeldoorn.

Korea – Japan 3 – 1 (25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 25-19)

Korea: Han 2, Kwak 13, Shin 7, C.W Park 14, Jeon 23, S.H Park 5, K.J Lee (L) and M.G Lee 1, Bu, J.H Kim 12, Y.S Lee 1

Japan: Kondoh 1, Fukuzawa 23, Suzuki 1, Yako 14, Gottsu 4, Yamamura 5, Nagano (L) and Koshikawa 12, Imamura 1, Yokota 4, Chijiki    

Japan had a certain advantage entering the second match because of Moon’s injury. Moon sustained a knee injury in the third set of their first match. But the big loss in their starting lineup did not stop Korea from overwhelming their opponents in front of the home crowd.

Japan committed crucial errors allowing the Koreans to make a run and post consecutive wins in the first and second sets. Japan’s Tatsuya Fukuzawa delivered on his attacks but the rest of team’s setter-attacker connection was not as effective. The Korean attackers saw this as an opportunity to pound on Japan’s defense.

Japan came back in the third set and moved ahead with a surprising 18-9 advantage. Japan’s renewed attacking scheme was effective and forced the Koreans to lose concentration on the match. Japan easily took the third set 25-11.

As both teams tried to put pressure on each other, the fourth set became a rubber match. Japan got the better of Korea and took the lead as Daisuke Yako and Fukuzawa teamed up on excellent combination plays until the middle of the set.

The Koreans showed persistence and tied the score at 20-all. As Japan committed crucial errors, Jeon Kwang-in heroically stepped-in to jumpstart the Koreans 25-22 run.

Jeon’s intense presence on the attack and visibility on defense lifted Korea to post two consecutive wins and grabbed the lead in Pool C before facing Finland, Canada, Netherlands and Portugal in the Intercontinental Round.

Standings:

1. Korea 6
2. Finland 4
3. The Netherlands 3
4. Canada 3
5. Portugal 2
6. Japan 0

Photo: FIVB

Italy beat Cuba 3-0, the same result achieved Russia defeating Thailand. First game was quite easy win, second one was a bit tougher battle.

CUBA – ITALY 0-3 (16-25 16-25 20-25)
Line-ups and scores:
Cuba: Cruz (1), Palacio (1), Lescay (1), Vargas (14), Alvarez (7), Giel (8), Borrell (L) and Matienzo (3), Vilches, Rojas (4)
Italy: Signorile (2), C.Bosetti (9), Arrighetti (10), Sorokaite (10), Costagrande (8), Guiggi (9), De Gennaro (L) and Fiorin (1)

It was a straightforward win for the Italians. Cuba once again made too many mistakes. In my opinion match wasn’t so entertaining to watch. Interesting player was Cuban leader, opposite/outside hitter Melissa Vargas Abreu. This 13-year-old girl appeared in NT in Pan-Am Cup in June and I can call her ‘Wilfredo Leon in skirt‘. I hope that she will improve in next years and can become Cuban leading player in NT, if she doesn’t escape. Wilfredo Leon also as a youngster was entered to NT (he was probably 14) and now he’s among best offensive leftside spikers. Unfortunately we can’t see him because of escape from an island. From Italy I don’t praise single player, because all of them scored similarly.

Team Stats:

ActionsSpike pointsSpike %BlockServeDigReceptionSets noteUnforced ErrorsCuba3138 %0812 16 %2.3329Italy3246 %1071815 %4.6716

Team Leaders:

Players/ActionsPointsSpike pointsSpike %Spike errorsBlockServeUnforced ErrorsMelissa Vargas141037 %70412Indre Sorokaite10941 %1013

THAILAND – RUSSIA 0-3 (20-25 23-25 22-25)
Line-ups and scores: Nootsara (2), Onuma (15), Thatdao (8), Malika (4), Wilavan (8), Pleumjit (9), Piyanut (L) and Ajcharaporn (6), Pornpun, Tapaphaipun
Russia: Matienko (1), Kosehleva (15), Shlyakhovaya (6), Obmochaeva (16), Chaplina (5), Zaryazhko (11), Malova (L) and Isaeva (5), Pankova, Pasynkova (1), Kryuchkova (L)

As claim Russian captain, setter Ekaterina Pankova “Thailand has very difficult playing combinations, and the result depended on yesterday’s match.” Game was short, but quite interesting. Thailand carried on an equal duel till 20 points in every set, then Thai players made errors and lose every set. Again good match had outside hitter Tatiana Kosheleva who seems to be back in better shape and complemented opposite Natalya Obmochaeva, despite taped hand. Again main offensive player was outside hitter onuma Sittirak. Weak game had Thai opposite, Malika Kanthong, better was her sub, Ajcharaporn Kongyot.

Team Stats:

ActionsSpike pointsSpike %BlockServeDigReceptionSets noteUnforced ErrorsThailand4438 %623133  %7.0017Russia5050 %732538 %8.3316

Team Leaders:

Players/ActionsPointsSpike pointsSpike %Spike errorsBlockServeUnforced ErrorsOnuma Sittirak151345 %3027Nataliya Obmochaeva161554 %1013Click Here: Putters

Only three days remaining until the start of the most important volleyball this year’s tournament in Europe. Sixteen most valuable teams are brushing up their shape to fight for glory and to fulfill their fans desires. Which team will come to throne of European Volleyball at the Parken Stadiom in Copenhagen and gain a ticket to Grand Cup Champions? Will Russia maintain its supremacy? How the hosts, Denmark and Poland, come out?

Pool A, Odense (Denmark)
1.    Denmark
2.    Italy
3.    Belarus
4.    Belgium 

 Denmark (World Ranking – 68)

The descendants of Vikings and the co-hosts of EuroVolley 2013 are not passed for favorite of the European Championships, on the contrary, they seems to be a total outsiders and every single scored point will be true success for them. However, such perception of Denmark cannot be any surprise because this team is rather anonymous on the world stage and only real volleyball “geeks” are able to point the name of any players without a second thought, despite they usually play in the respected leagues like German Bundesliga or French Pro A not being though their stars. Moreover, all results, achieved this season, also prove a puny potential of Fred Sturm’s (head-coach) boys. Denmark participated the European League contest this summer and was classified on the next-to-last spot, losing 11 of 12 games. What is more, pre-tournament matches are not the good omen, that is why the bookies do not believe in Denmark’s success. Perhaps, the very presence among the European elite is significant ennoblement to Denmark and huge chance for promotion volleyball, thus the Danish activists need to hope that the “Vienna Effect” is going to take place and volleyball will catch up for example handball as far as popularity in this Scandinavian Country.         

Friendly games:
Denmark 0 – 3 The Netherlands
Denmark 0 – 3 The Netherlands
Denmark 0 – 3 Canada
Denmark 1 – 3 Slovenia
Denmark 0 – 3 Bulgaria
Denmark 0 – 3 Finland
Denmark 1 – 3 Finland

 Key player:  Kristian Knudsen (Outside-hitter, Tourcing LM)

Bookies bet: 1:500
   
 Italy (World Ranking – 3)

“Squadra Azzurra” seems to be a bit of enigma in spite of great conditions during the last tournaments and still being estimated as one of the biggest candidate to grab the gold medal at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. It is caused by Mauro Berruto and his some controversial decisions, which has been taken since World League Final Six. Some People claim some ideas can even seen the final score. There are two vital issues. Firstly, the whole agitation concerns personal policy in appointments for Berruto turned an offer from the best player in the world, Osmany Juantorena, down to bring him into the team and he additionally left Michal Lasko, the outstanding opposite, at home. Secondly and more important, it is complained that a preparation schedule was not properly projected. Very long training term and only few friendly games may effect a lack of fluency in play. Will Italy succeed?  The question depends on the following trio Ivan Zaytsev, Cristian Savani and Emanuele Birarelli. If they are able to keep up his shape showed at the World League, “Azzurri” may stand on the podium or even do their achievement from 2011, it is the final. The largest betting companies also include Italians among the favorites, so you cannot earn a lot of money having bet your money on still actual European runners-up.      

Friendly games:
Italy 3 – 0 Slovakia
Italy 3 – 1 Slovakia
Italy 2 – 3 Germany
Italy 0 – 3 Germany

 Key player: Ivan Zaytsev (Opposite, Lube Banca Macerata)

Bookies bet: 1:4

 Belarus (World Ranking – 53)

Belarus debuts at European Championships and sets its sights on bringing at least playoffs at once.  In fact, this goal is attainable since Denmark should not camber as the hosts are much less experienced and simply worse. Belorussian National Federation activists also gave their best  bringing on all more valuable players like Siarhei Antonovich or Aleh Akhrem, who has ambitions to represent Poland, as well as provided possibly the most handy training conditions, but a bit too one-sided. Why? Belarus took part in the “Viacheslav Platonov’s Memorial”, where could have faced up just Russian clubs preparing for the new season and there can appear a lack of familiarity with other volleyball styles. Nevertheless, you can dream until you are alive. Belarus should set up very ambitious targets, even if it is hardly possible, because volleyball is a sport where everything may happen.          

 Key Player: Aleh Akhrem (Outside-hitter, Resovia Rzeszow)

Friendly games:
Belarus 3 – 0 Automobilista Sankt Petersburg
Belarus 3 – 2 Belogoria Belgorod
Belarus 3 – 2 Yaroslavich Yaroslav
Belarus 1 – 3 Belogoria Belgorod
Belarus 3 – 1 Zenit Kazan

Bookies bet: 1:300

 Belgium (World Ranking – 41)

“To follow in our compatriots’ footsteps and be in top 4 of Europe”- this could be the ambitious aim of Belgian National Team at European Championships. Obviously, it appears to be unreal, but if women were able to jump on the podium, why men could not have such a dream, especially when the “Yellow Tigers” are on fire after claiming the European League and will be supported by one extremely experienced setter Frank Depestele. This player arguably guarantees that Belgium will be showing off the most unconventional and incalculable style of all what can be the clue , which help them in making… semifinal…? No, it is too much. The very existence in quarterfinals will be enough and it correspondents with Belgian capabilities. Moreover, Dominique Baeyens (coach) is in possession of several young talents (Sam Derro or Kevin Klinkenberg), who are able to be incredible in single games, what may affect that they will not eat a famous Belgian chocolate after a failure in Denmark, but will be proud and have fun due to a success.

 Key Player: Frank Depestele (Setter, Beauvais Oise)

Friendly games:
Belgium 3 – 1 Netherlands
Belgium 3 – 1 Czech Republic
Belgium 1 – 3 Slovenia
Belgium 1 – 3 Slovenia

Bookies bet: 1:250

Pool B, Gdansk (Poland)

1. Poland
2. Slovakia
3. France
4. Turkey

 Poland (World Ranking – 4)

A real earthquake has happened in Polish National Team since the worst performance in World League history  this June and July. Not only did Andrea Anastasi break down a core of his squad cutting out two leaders Krzysztof Ignaczak and Zbigniew Bartman, but he also tried to enforce a new game system using an nominal libero, Damian Wojtaszek, as a regular receiver. What is more, the Italian coach of Poland relied on a fresh and talented opposite Grzegorz Bociek, who takes after Tsvetan Sokolov or Liberman Agamez as far as his physicals. At the outset, all these acts turned out to be ineffectual, because Poland failed three test matches against Serbia and here appeared a lot of anxiety among Polish fans , but not for long. One week ago, “whites and reds” claimed the “Hubert Wagner’s Memorial”, the most prestigious friendly competition in volleyball schedule, overcoming Germany and the Netherlands in impressive style and giving in only Russia. That tournament confirmed Poland’s  players did not forget how to play volleyball and are one of the greatest candidate to conquer Europe for two consecutive years, in particular that they are going to perform in front of home crowd. The following opinion is also agreed by betting companies, which numerate Poland as the absolutely certain podium member.

 Key player: Michal Winiarski (Outside-hitter, Fakel Novy Urengoy)

Friendly games:
Poland 1 – 3 Serbia
Poland 2 – 3 Serbia
Poland 1 – 3 Serbia
Poland 3 – 1 Netherlands
Poland 3 – 0 Germany
Poland 1 – 3 Russia

Bookies bet: 1:4

 Slovakia (World Ranking – 26)

Slovakia is a specific team composting of a few well-known and respected players but having got only one disadvantages – ‘no winning gene’. Many times, they was able to lose a won battle as a result they drifted away from world elite and probably it will not change at European Championships. A coach, Stefan Chrtiansky Sr., cannot take advantage all best players what no doubt takes affect Slovakian solutions, because e.g. Lukas Divis is not an easy puzzle to be substituted what confirmed this year’s accomplishments. Slovakia disappointed at European League ending up without a ticket to final four and friendly matches also have passed under meaning of ups and down, therefore, betting agencies do not believe in them as well as local environment in homeland. This question can be their force because if you do not feel pressure, you can do everything with more self-confidence not thinking about any consequences.     

 Key player: Emanuel Kohut (Middle-blocker, Bre Banca Cuneo)

Friendly games:
Slovakia 1 – 2 Slovenia
Slovakia 2 – 1 Slovenia
Slovakia 0 – 5 Finland
Slovakia 3 – 0 Finland
Slovakia 2 – 3 Finland
Slovakia 1 – 3 Italy
Slovakia 0 – 3 Italy
Slovakia 0 – 3 Russia

Bookies bet: 1:150

 France (World Ranking – 22)

“Les Bleues” may be the dark horse of EuroVolley 2013 despite they did not gain attendance of world  biggest betting companies. When you estimate the French skills and potential, you must take into account all results achieved this year. These are pretty mighty! France ranked 10th place at World League. This seems average, but Laurent Tille’s boys knocked Argentina, Poland and Brazil into a cocked hat in very good style. Two receiver mainly, Ervin N’Gapeth and Julien Lyneel, were a top dogs  and they were solving the toughest problems, while the very N’Gapeth guided the defensive area. In Gdansk, France will probably stronger in comparison to the World League because Tille is going to use an opposite, Antoine Rouzier, who could not take part in the summer’s contests due to micro-injuries. What is more, Jean-Francois Exiga goes back to the team and he also is able to level up. As the members of Pool A will be connected with Pool D in quarterfinals, where we have Russia, Bulgaria, Germany and the Czech Republic, the duel between Poland and France may be key. If the Frenchmen  manage to overcame Poland, they will be on the right track to in the medal zone.                  

 Key player: Ervin N’Gapeth (Outside-hitter, Kuzbass Kemerovo)

Friendly games:
France 2 – 3 Bulgaria
France 3 – 1 Bulgaria
France 4 – 0 Canada
France 3 – 2 Canada
France 4 – 0 Canada
France 2 – 3 Netherlands
France 2 – 3 Netherlands
France 2 – 3 Netherlands

Bookies bet: 1:18
 
 Turkey (World Ranking – 48)

The road of Turks to Poland and Denmark was not a bed of roses as had to overcome really long and hard cruise because of a poor start of the qualifying round. Turkey was beaten not only by Portugal or Belarus, but they also surrendered Great Britain. Admittedly, they made up for them, but it occurred not to be enough and Turkey just found a free spot  in play-off, where hashed out its plans for September at least in a golden set playing against Latvia. However, players from above Bosphorus have felt a breath of fresh air since an Italian, Emanuele Zanini, completed the vacancy on the post of head-coach, caused by departure of Veijko Blasic. Having been in tune with the new boss, Turkey has achieved few interesting results in friendly games holding inter alia Bulgaria down and struggling very tight duel vs Iran. Nevertheless, the hosts of European Championships in 2009 are not included to the group of ones who dominate, so their “sports summit” seems to be situated on play-offs. Obviously, if only they are able to leave the Pool Stage.   

 Key Player: Buruday Subasi (Outside-hitter, Halkbank Ankara)

Friendly games:
Turkey 1 – 3 Slovenia
Turkey 3 – 1 Slovenia
Turkey 3 – 2 Bulgaria
Turkey 2 – 3 Iran

Bookies bet: 1:150

The other part of EuroVolley Preview (Pool C and Pool D) you can find right here

In most exciting game on Friday Americans beat Italy after tiebreak. Key for success were team’s scoring leader Matthew Anderson and Carson Clark who entered in 4th set. In other games Brazil beats Japan and Russia wins with Iran, both in three straight sets.

Today results:

UNITED STATES – ITALY 3-2 (25-21 20-25 22-25 28-26 15-13) MVP: William Priddy
USA: Christenson (3), Rooney (6), Lee (13), Anderson (27), Priddy (9), Holt (12), E. Shoji (L) and K. Shoji, Menzel (4), Clark (8)
Italy: Travica (2), Lanza (22), Piano (10), Vettori (12), Kovar (15), Beretta (7), Rossini (L) and Dolfo, Birarelli, Zaytsev (14)

Maxwell Holt served into the net and Italy took a 5-3 lead in the first set. Italy led 8-5 at the first technical timeout. A spike by Sean Rooney pulled the U.S. within one at 8-7. A service ace by Filippo Lanza kept the Italians ahead 13-12. William Priddy’s service ace evened the score at 15-15. Italy was on top 16-15 at the second TTO.The U.S. pulled ahead 17-16 on a reception error. Holt’s block put the U.S. in front 19-16. Holt made a nice pass to Micah Christenson for a quick spike at the net and the U.S. boosted the advantage to 21-17. The Italians called a timeout to try and stop the surge. A missed spike by Thomas Beretta put the U.S. within two points of the set at 23-18. Luca Vettori served into the net at the U.S. had set point at 24-19. The U.S. wrapped up the set 25-21.

Italy went ahead 5-3 in the second set after a reception error by the U.S. Priddy’s service ace sent the U.S. into the first TTO with an 8-7 edge.Italy surged to a 15-13 lead with some nice passing and the U.S. called timeout. Italy had a 16-13 lead at the second TTO.A block by Jiri Kovar boosted the Italian lead to 18-14 and the U.S. called a timeout. A Vettori spike made it 20-14. Priddy fired a serve long and it was 21-15. Holt connected on a spike as the U.S. moved within five points at 22-17. Kovar blasted a crosscourt spike for 23-17. A nice block by Priddy took the count to 23-19 and Italy took a timeout. Kawika Shoji served into the net and Italy had set point at 24-19. Italy took the set 25-20 when the U.S. could not handle a spike.

Matteo Piano’s block put Italy on top 5-4 in the third set. A reception error by Lanza made it 7-6 for the U.S. Rooney could not handle a spike and Italy led 8-7 at the first TTO. A block by Priddy made it 10-9 for the U.S. Piano’s block put Italy up 14-13. Priddy pounded a serve into the net and Italy was in front 16-14 at the second TTO. A net infraction gave Italy a 17-15 edge. Jeffrey Menzel sent a serve long and Italy led 20-18. Kovar’s spike made it 23-21. A nice dink by Ivan Zaytsev gave Italy set point at 24-21. Zaytsev closed out the set 25-22 with a soaring spike.

A positioning violation cost the U.S. two points at the outset of the fourth set. It was 3-2 when the issue was recognized, and the mistake cost the U.S. two points to make it 3-0 for Italy. Lee fired a service ace and the U.S. stormed back to tie it 4-4. A service error by Beretta made it 6-5 for the U.S. A dink by Holt took it to 7-6. Holt’s block put the U.S. ahead 8-7 at the first TTO. A block by Lee took it to 10-9 for the U.S. The Americans scored three more points to make it 13-10 and Italy took a timeout. Carson Clark’s spike took it to 15-12. Italy fought back and equalized at 15-15 on a crosscourt spike by Kovar. Italy led 16-15 at the second TTO. A spike by Zaytsev made it 19-17 as Italy edged closer to taking the match. Clark hammered a serve and it was 20-20. Back and forth it went, with the U.S. going up 23-22 before Zaytsev spiked to equalize at 23-23. A spike by Christenson gave the U.S. set point at 24-23, but Clark served long and the score was knotted again 24-24. A net infraction by Zaytsev made it 25-24 for the U.S. Priddy then served long and it was even again at 25-25. Kovar served into the net and the U.S. had its third set point. Holt responded with a serve into the net and it was 26-26. Clark’s spike gave the U.S. another set point. The U.S. then took the 37-minute set 28-26 on a block.

A strong serve by Lanza made it 3-3 in the fifth set. Zaytsev’s well-placed dink moved Italy ahead 6-5. The U.S. retook the lead at 8-7 on a block. A reception error by Dragan Travica tied it 9-9. Italy went back ahead 10-9 on a spike by Beretta. When Beretta fired a spike wide the U.S. was two points from victory at 13-11 and Italy called a timeout. Priddy sent a spike long and it was 13-12. The U.S. got match point at 14-12, but Lanza’s spike made it 14-13. The U.S. completed the win 15-13 when Travica sent his serve long.

Team Stats:

ActionsSpike pointsSpike %BlockServeDigsRec
NoteErrUSA6547%1252136%28Italy6449%1172347%28

Team Leaders:

ActionsPointsSpike ptsSpike %BlockAceErrorsMatthew Anderson272657%107Filippo Lanza221966%1212

IRAN – RUSSIA 0-3 (23-25 23-25 19-25) MVP: Sergey Grankin
Iran: Marouflakrani (2), Ghaemi (8), Mousavi (4), Mahmoudi (11), Mirzajanpour (13), Gholami (6), Zarif (L) and Mahdavi, Zarini, Davoodi
Russia: Grankin, Spiridonov (6), Muserskiy (12), Mikhaylov (19), Ilinykh (9), Apalikov (7), Ermakov (L)

Iran established a 5-3 lead in the first set. Russia equalized 6-6 on a spike by Nikolay Apalikov. A spike by Mikhaylov sent Russian into the first TTO with an 8-7 edge. A spike by Mohammad Mousavi tied it 10-10. Mehdi Mahdavi knotted the score 13-13 with a spike down the middle. Russia led 16-13 at the second TTO on a spike by Mikhaylov. Russia moved ahead 23-20 following a timeout when the score was tied 20-20. Iran pulled back within one at 23-22 on a spike. With Russia having set point at 24-23, Iran took a timeout. Apalikov’s spike gave Russia the set at 25-23. Mikhaylov notched nine points in the set. Mirzajanpour had six.

Russia took a 6-4 lead in the second set following a reception error. Adel Gholami made a nice dink for 6-5. Dmitriy Ilinykh’s spike gave Russia an 8-6 lead at the first TTO. Russia led 10-8 after Mahmoudi fired a serve long. A service ace by Mirzajanpour moved Iran ahead 11-10. Apalikov tied it 14-14 with a spike. Iran went up 15-14 on a nice option play spike by Gholami. A block by Muserskiy saw Russia lead 16-15 at the second TTO. A missed shot by Mahmoudi put Russia up 20-19. A block by Apalikov made it 22-20 and Iran called a timeout. Ilinykh’s spike gave Russia set point at 24-21. Russia took the set 25-23 on a block by Ilinykh.

Mirzajanpour rose for a spike as Iran took a 6-3 lead in the third set. Iran was up 8-5 at the first TTO. A reception error by Iran allowed Russia to equalize at 9-9. Russia continued to edge toward the match, taking a 14-12 advantage and Iran called a timeout. Muserskiy’s spike made it 19-15. Mikhaylov sent a serve long and Iran drew within 21-17. A service ace by Muserskiy closed out the contest 25-19.

Team Stats:

ActionsSpike pointsSpike %BlockServeDigsRec
NoteErrIran3550%72643%22Russia4360%64737%21

Team Leaders:

ActionsPointsSpike ptsSpike %BlockAceErrorsMojtaba Mirzajanpour131169%116Maxim Mikhaylov191765%119

JAPAN – BRAZIL 0-3 (17-25 23-25 18-25) MVP: Mario Junior
Japan: Kondoh, Fukuzawa (2), Matsumoto (4), Ishijima (10), Koshikawa (13), Yamamura (2), Nagano (L) and  Yoneyama (4), Takahashi (L), Shimizu (1), Imamura, Yokota
Brazil: Bruno, Felipe Fonteles (12), Lucas (10), Wallace (11), Mauricio Borges (10), Sidão (6), Mario Junior (L) and Evandro (3), Raphael, Eder (5)

Ishijima fired a spike long as Brazil seized a 5-2 lead in the first set. Wallace soared for a spike and Brazil went up 7-4. The South Americans led 8-4 at the first TTO. A spike by Mauricio Borges gave Brazil a six-point advantage at 11-5. A reception error by Japan ballooned Brazil’s lead to 16-8 at the second TTO.A spike by Yamamura made it 18-10 as Japan tried to keep contact. It was 20-12 after a Fukuzawa spike. A block by Mauricio made it 21-12. Evandro Guerra flew in for a spike and Brazil was three points from the set at 22-13. Sidnei Dos Santos took a quick pass for a kill and it was set point at 24-16. Marques gave Brazil the set 25-17 with a quick spike. Mauricio and Sidnei had five points each in the set.

Lucas Saatkamp drove a spike down the middle to stake Brazil to a 5-2 lead. A blast by Bruno Rezende sent Brazil into the first TTO up 8-4. Eder Carbonera’s spike took it to 10-6. A powerful spike by Marques Fonteles nearly leveled a Japan player and made it 12-8. A soft return by Koshikawa was tipped by Brazil and Japan moved within two at 13-11. A one-handed return by Koshikawa made it 13-12. A service ace by Koshikawa tied it 14-14 and Japan continued to surge. Brazil came back with two straight points and was on top 16-14 at the second TTO. Wallace struck another spike as Brazil stayed ahead 19-18. Japan tied the score several times, but could never pull ahead in the set. Brazil led 21-19 after Japan sent a serve long. A Yamamoto spike again drew Japan within one at 22-21. A nice dink by Maurico put Brazil within two points of the set at 23-21. A missed spike by Eder made it 23-23 but Brazil came back and took the set 25-23 on a spike by Wallace.

Japan grabbed a 5-4 lead in the third set on a service ace by Ishijima but Brazil led 8-7 at the first TTO. With Brazil up 11-8, Japan took a timeout. A spike by Marques gave Brazil a four-point margin at 14-10. Bruno’s serve sent Brazil into the second TTO with a 16-12 lead. Lucas connected with a windmill spike and it was 20-15 as Brazil moved to close out the match. Kazuyoshi Yokota sent a serve into the net and it was 23-18. Yamamura then whiffed on a spike attempt and it was match point at 24-18. A block by Brazil ended it 25-18.

Team Stats:

ActionsSpike pointsSpike %BlockServeDigsRec
NoteErrJapan3039%421636%18Brazil4761%821659%22

Team Leaders:

ActionsPointsSpike ptsSpike %BlockAceErrorsYu Koshikawa131155%118Felipe Fonteles121155%1011

Standings:

RankTeamWin/LossSetsSmall PointsPoints1.Brazil3/09-1256-21692.Russia2/17-3246-21563.USA2/16-6281-27054.Italy1/27-7318-31155.Iran1/24-8253-28426.Japan0/31-9188-2460

Descriptions: FIVB

Yesterday ended first round of WCH. How does situation in pools after merge look like? Which players are on top of the ranking? Check it out!

Pools’ Standings:

Pool A:

RankTeamWin/LossSets RatioPoints RatioPoints1.Poland5/015.0001.286152.Serbia4/12.2001.073123.Argentina3/21.6661.08794.Australia2/30.6360.96755.Venezuela1/40.3840.86346.Cameroon0/50.2000.8320

Pool B:

RankTeamWin/LossSets RatioPoints RatioPoints1.Brazil5/05.0001.215142.Germany4/12.4001.177123.Finland3/21.2501.04784.Cuba2/30.7500.96165.Korea1/40.4610.88446.Tunisia0/50.2660.8071

Pool C:

RankTeamWin/LossSets RatioPoints RatioPoints1.Russia5/05.0001.236142.Canada4/12.4001.123113.Bulgaria3/21.6251.057104.China2/30.5450.94665.Mexico1/40.3570.83726.Egypt0/50.3330.8802

Pool D:

RankTeamWin/LossSets RatioPoints RatioPoints1.France4/12.0001.073122.Iran4/11.8571.100113.USA3/21.3331.10094.Italy2/30.7500.97655.Belgium1/40.7500.93556.Puerto Rico1/40.2300.8073

Standings after mergers for Second Round:

Pool E: (A+D)

RankTeamWin/LossSets RatioPoints RatioPoints1.Poland3/0MAX1.27892.France2/11.6001.04873.Serbia2/11.2001.00464.Iran2/11.1671.02555.USA1/20.8571.01846.Argentina1/20.6670.98737.Italy1/20.6250.91528.Australia0/30.1110.8100

Pool F: (B+C)

RankTeamWin/LossSets RatioPoints RatioPoints1.Brazil3/09.0001.19092.Russia3/04.5001.17883.Germany2/11.5001.03764.Canada2/11.2001.00855.Bulgaria1/21.1671.00756.Finalnd1/20.5000.93327.Cuba0/30.3330.89618.China0/3 0.0000.8110

Best players after First Round:

Best Scorer: Antonin Rozuier (France) – 97 points
Best Spiker: Nicolas Hoag (Canada) – 59.32%
Best Server: Dmitriy Muserskiy (Russia) – 0.89 serves per set
Best Blocker: Seyed Mousavi (Iran) – 1.5 blocks per set
Best Setter: Mir Saeid Marouf (Iran) – 10.15 running sets per set
Best Receiver: Farhad Ghaemi (Iran) – 60.66% effciency
Best Digger: Jenia Grebennikov (France) – 4.67 digs per set

Best line-up according to stats:
Setter: Mir Saeid Marouf (Iran)
Opposite: Antonin Rouzier (France)
Outside Hitters (mixed reception and spike): Michał Winiarski (Poland), Denis Kaliberda (Germany)
Middle Blockers: Seyed Mousavi (Iran), Dmitriy Muserskiy (Russia)
Libero: Farhad Zarif (Iran)

Eliminated teams in Final Ranking:

17. Belgium
18. Korea
Click Here: cheap Cowboys jersey19. Venezuela
20. Puerto Rico
21. Mexico
22. Egypt
23. Tunisia
24. Cameroon

Does the volleyball have its birhtday today? 

The birthday is this special day when you celebrate the real magic of life, the start of something new. 

But does volleyball- our favorite sport, have such a special day?

Here is what we found on Wikipedia 🙂 

And before reading it, we leave you here our volleyball birthday wishes as we know you are reading this text because you are somehow connected to volleyball: “Happy Birthday to our favorite sport! We wish everybody who loves the game to keep playing it and just have fun!”

 “On February 9, 1895, in Holyoke, Massachusetts (USA), William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director, created a new game called Mintonette as a pastime to be played (preferably) indoors and by any number of players. The game took some of its characteristics from tennis and handball. Another indoor sport, basketball, was catching on in the area, having been invented just ten miles (sixteen kilometers) away in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, only four years before. Mintonette was designed to be an indoor sport, less rough than basketball, for older members of the YMCA, while still requiring a bit of athletic effort.

The first rules, written down by William G Morgan, called for a net 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) high, a 25 ft × 50 ft (7.6 m × 15.2 m) court, and any number of players. A match was composed of nine innings with three serves for each team in each inning, and no limit to the number of ball contacts for each team before sending the ball to the opponents’ court. In case of a serving error, a second try was allowed. Hitting the ball into the net was considered a foul (with loss of the point or a side-out)—except in the case of the first-try serve.

After an observer, Alfred Halstead, noticed the volleying nature of the game at its first exhibition match in 1896, played at the International YMCA Training School (now called Springfield College), the game quickly became known as volleyball (it was originally spelled as two words: “volley ball”). Volleyball rules were slightly modified by the International YMCA Training School and the game spread around the country to various YMCAs.”

WIKIPEDIA

Click Here: Cheap FIJI Rugby Jersey