NETHERLANDS AND FINLAND WIN TWICE

European League 2004

Luxembourg, May 23, 2004. The Netherlands and Finland scored the best results during the first leg of the European League, the newly formed competition for men’s national teams. The Dutch formation outplayed Germany twice, while Finland took two 3-2 victories over Slovakia in Pool 2. In other European League action, Russia and the Czech Republic split their matches, while Croatia won and lost once against Turkey.

Netherlands played two great matches in Germany this weekend and outplayed the opponent twice in Pool 2. Although the German team was playing at home the ‘Flying Dutchmen’ easily won the two clashes held in Bamberg. “The matches were tough especially because the Germans served superbly”, Dutch captain Reinder Nummerdor stated. “These matches were also a very important test for the Olympic Qualification tournament in Madrid (ESP) which starts for us on Friday. We played some friendly matches beforehand, but this was finally a real test.”
In other Pool 2 action, Finland nailed Slovakia twice. It was not easy for the Finnish team having to go to five sets twice. “This is a very good start for us”’, Finnish coach Timo Hoivala said. “The matches were very difficult, but I am glad that we won twice. It is great to play in the European League because it provides the opportunity to play at a high level.” In the second match between Finland and Slovakia the best scorer of the Finnish team was Olli Kunnari with 18 points. Captain Janne Heikkinen was also in good shape scoring 14 points through attack and 3 through blocks.

In Pool 1 Russia and Czech Republic split their matches. The Czech team won the first match in Russia, but on the second day, the Russian Rockets came back. Although Russia won the match 3-0, the away victory can become very important for the Czech Republic.
In other Pool 1 action, Croatia and Turkey also won one match each. The two outsiders split their matches played in Zagreb (CRO). Turkey won the first clash 3-1 while Croatia came back and won the second match played on Sunday in the Croatian capital.

The European League, organized with the support of the FIVB, starts a new era in European volleyball. While in the past the teams not participating in the World League had to arrange their own friendly matches, they now have the possibility to play in a high level competition. The eight participating teams are separated into two pools of four teams each. The preliminary rounds, which started this weekend, are organized in a double round-robin, each team playing three double home and three double away matches. The two best ranked teams of each group will proceed to the final round, which will be held in Opava (CZE) from 10-11 July.

European League 2004

Pool A: Croatia, Czech Republic, Russia, Turkey.
Results:

RUS – CZE	1:3	22:25, 22:25, 25:20, 23:25
RUS – CZE	3:0	25:18, 25:19, 25:20
CRO – TUR	1:3	25:17, 16:25, 21:25, 18:25
CRO – TUR	3:1	25:15, 22:25, 25:22, 25:18

Final Ranking:

     1.   RUS 2-3 (4-3)
     2.   CRO 2-3 (4-4)
     3.   TUR 2-3 (4-4)
     4.   CZE 2-3 (3-4)

Match schedule 2nd leg (local time):

CZE – TUR	May 29	17.30
CZE – TUR	May 30	14.35
RUS - CRO	May 29	17.00
RUS – CRO	May 30	17.00

Pool B: Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia.
Results:

GER – NED	1:3	22:25, 22:25, 25:23, 17:25
GER – NED	1:3	26:28, 21:25, 25:22, 23:25
FIN – SVK	3:2	25:20, 25:15, 25:27, 20:25, 15:13
FIN – SVK	3:2	25:22, 25:23, 18:25, 23:25, 15:13

Final Ranking:

NED 2-4 (6-2)
FIN 2-4 (6-4)
SVK 2-2 (4-6)
GER 2-2 (2-6)

Match schedule 2nd leg (local time):

SVK – NED	June 1	18.00
SVK – NED	June 2	18.00
FIN – GER	May 29	16.00
FIN – GER	May 30	15.00

Final Round: 10-11 July in Opava (CZE).

Confédération Européenne de Volleyball

NETHERLANDS AND FINLAND WIN TWICE

European League 2004