SPAIN WINS THE BATTLE FOR THE FINAL FOUR, ITALY AND RUSSIA ALSO QUALIFY

Men's Indesit European Championship 2005

Rome/Belgrade, September 7, 2005. Following yesterday’s qualification of Serbia & Montenegro from Preliminary Pool II in Belgrade (SCG) for the Final Four in the Men’s Indesit European Championship 2005, which will take place in Rome (ITA) from 10th to 11th September 2005, Spain will follow the Serbs as second ranked from Pool II, whilst Italy and Russia are definitely through to the last four from Pool I.

Poland started their match against Preliminary Pool I sixth Ukraine, who has not yet won a match, as expected, taking a 1:0 lead thanks to aggressive attacking play as well as a total ten errors from the underdog’s side. Nevertheless, the Ukraine got to grips during the second set scoring 18 points of which six points from block (25-21). But they failed to continue on their high and the subsequent points scored mainly by Oleksiy Gatin and Mykola Rudnytskyy didn’t suffice to win any more sets. Poland finally proved their favourite status with best scorer of the match Mariusz Wlazly (total 21 points), Sebastian Swiderski (total 18 points) and Dawid Murek (total 15 points) being unstoppable by the Ukraine defense (20-25, 21-25).
Whilst Mariusz Wlazly booked most points for Poland (21 points), Oleksiy Gatin scored 14 for the Ukraine.
The Ukraine head coach Viktor Mykhalchuk was of little words, stating: “I don’t really know what to say. We tried our best but this wasn’t good enough. Of course motivation plays a role and knowing that we have no more chance of qualifying, there is no aim to try and win anymore.” “I’m very satisfied that we won”, explained Polish team captain Piotr Gruszka after the match, “it’s a pity though that we lost one set.” “After controlling the first set we experienced a blackout during the second set”, stated Raul Lozano, head coach of the winning Polish team, “However, the third and fourth set were clearly dominated by us. We now have to wait and see how Italy and Russia perform.”

The Polish team’s hopes were crushed though when Russia defeated Portugal 3:1. Although Portugal surprisingly won the first set 25-23, missing their setter Nuno Pinheiro from 14-15 onwards after he sprained his ankle, the Russians committed less mistakes during the second set, playing more consistent than during the first set. Especially Semen Poltavsky collected the points for the 2003 European bronze medallist, equalling the score to 1:1 (25-22). The beginning of the important third set was dominated by the favourites until Portugal came back from 16-19 to draw even (19-19) following two successful attacks by captain Jose Joao and Andre Lopes. However, Russia had the better end pulling away thanks to Serguei Tetyukhin and Semen Poltavsky’s powerful play (24-20). A mistake by Hugo Gaspar presented Russia with the 2:1 lead. From then on the Russians weren’t to be stopped anymore, increasing their percentage of successful attacks and finally seizing the 3:1 victory (25-18).
Best scorer of the match was Semen Poltavsky with 20 points, whilst Portuguese Hugo Gaspar booked 15 points.
“We lacked the necessary consistency during the second set”, commented Portugal’s captain Hugo Gaspar after the match, “after Russia changed their opposite in the third set we weren’t able to stop them any longer.” Portuguese head coach Orlando Samuels was overall content with his team’s performance, stating: “Russia possesses very tall players in comparison to Portugal, hence our preparation wasn’t ideal in order to successfully challenge the Russians’ powerful game. “Although we committed many mistakes, we’re happy that we finally won”, declared Zoran Gajic. Russia’s team captain added that they lost concentration in some phases, but he couldn’t explain the reason why.

In the last match of the day in Rome host Italy managed to come back from trailing 0:1 against Croatia, finally beating them 3:1. With one round left to play Italy has definitely qualified for the Final Four together with Russia. The final Preliminary Pool round in Rome on Thursday will decide which team will meet Serbia & Montenegro, who finished first in Pool II in Belgrade, and who will oppose Spain as second ranked from Pool II in the semifinal. In front of 9’350 spectators in Rome’s Palalottomatica the Italians struggled in the first set, forced by the Croatians’ aggressive play to commit several mistakes. Losing the first set 20-25 the local team faced a set point against them at 23-24, but Alessandro Fei saved with one of his several successful smashes (24-24). The next set point was for Italy following a huge block by Luigi Mastrangelo (better known as “Gigi”). A mistake by Croatian Tomislav Coskovic presented the 1:1 set balance (26-24). Relieved by not trailing 0:2 the Italians stormed ahead in the third set (3-0, 7-2, 10-4, 14-9) with Alessandro Fei, Alberto Cisolla, Matej Cernic pointing in attack as well as Luca Tencati and captain Valerio Vermiglio blocking with success. Although Croatia resisted bravely with Igor Omrcen and Toni Kovacevic collecting the points (18-14, 20-16), a yellow card for Croatia’s team captain Igor Omrcen gave Italy an extra point (22-16), advancing the lead which they never relinquished (25-17). The beginning of the third set didn’t start any brighter for Croatia when their head coach Radovan Malevic received the second yellow card for the visiting team. A series of three aces by Alberto Cisolla brought Italy a four-point lead which they increased to a maximum eight point advantage (20-12) before finishing the fourth set and the match in their favour (25-19).

Best scorer of the match was Croatian Igor Omrcen with 21 points, whilst Alessandro Fei booked 20 points for Italy and his team mate Alberto Cisolla 19 points.
“I wonder what would have happened if we had managed to seize the second set and lead 2:0”, said Croatian team captain Igor Omrcen after the match, “Anyway, I’m very proud of my team. This European Championship is definitely our passport to the future.” Italian head coach Gian Paolo Montali agreed, finding only compliments for the Croatian team: “Croatia already demonstrated in their first match against Poland how well they can play. They play with heart and it’s always a pleasure to watch them play. I’m sure that if Croatia had been in the other pool, they would have stood a better chance of qualifying for the semifinal stage.” “Croatia is a great team and I’m as proud of them as I am of my team”, stated Italian team captain Valerio Vermiglio, “They definitely deserved more than what they have achieved here.” Radovan Malevic explained Italy’s victory that they were capable of playing well during the difficult moments of the match, thus proving their strength and professionalism. Croatia’s aim are the Olympic Games 2008.

Spain is the surprising second semifinalist from Pool II after Wednesday action in Belgrade. On the last day of the preliminary round almost everything was still possible. France had the best chances but when Serbia & Montenegro defeated the French team 3:2 the road was open for Spain. Spain’s 3:1 victory over the Netherlands sufficed to capture the last ticket to Rome. In other action Greece defeated the Czech Republic 3:1.
Playing the first match of the day Spain won and waited… Their first job, namely beating the Netherlands, wasn’t too difficult. Following a nervous start where Spain lost the first set 21-25, they significantly improved their play, but were also helped by the many mistakes from the opposing side. Finally clinching the 3:1 victory Spain had to wait for the final match result between Serbia & Montenegro and France.
“It’s a big satisfaction for us that we have come so far in the tournament”, stated Spanish coach Oscar Novillo. “I am extremely happy that this is the first competition where we have a chance of seizing a medal”, Spanish captain Rafael Pascual said.
Spanish Guillermo Falasca and Dutch Robert Horstink were the best players with 17 points each.

With this result in mind France knew that it had to win against Serbia & Montenegro to reach the Final Four of the strongest volleyball tournament in Europe. However, the 2003 silver medallist failed to achieve this task, although they weren’t far away. After losing the first set France won the second and third set, being close to a surprise. But Serbia & Montenegro fought back, also thanks to the support from the almost 12’000 fans in the Belgrade Arena. In presence of Serbia's President Boris Tadic and Nenad Bogdanovic, Lord Mayor of Belgrade, the home team finally captured the match 15-9 in the tiebreak set, setting an end to the Frenchmen’s hopes and confirming Spain’s spot in the Final Four.
“It looks as if we have a season ticket for losing tiebreaks”, French coach Philippe Blain joked, “It’s amazing that we have finished only fourth in the group. We won two matches, but lost the other three 2:3. That was the end of our dream.”
Ivan Miljkovic was by far the best player with 32 points. On French side Ludovic Castard booked 19 points.

Following the Serbs’ victory Spain was able to celebrate their place in the semifinals. The President of the Spanish Federation in particular, i.e. Agustin Martin Santos, as well as Technical Director Luis Muchaga expressed their delight. Spain changed their technical staff not long before the Indesit European Championship. With the new coach Novillo and extremely motivated players Spain finally reached their ultimate dream, playing in the semifinals of the Indesit European Championship.
“Our dream has come true”, stated Oscar Novillo stated, “This is the reward for all the work that we have done.”

In other Wednesday action Greece defeated the Czech Republic 3:1. The match was important for both teams regarding the final classification in Pool II, as the number three in this group is automatically qualified for the 2007 European Championship. After a long and difficult encounter Greece finally took the victory, pushing the Czechs back to fifth position. Greece reached their goal by finishing third. Czech captain Martin Lebl, who injured himself during Monday’s training session, also had to pass on Wednesday’s match against Greece.
“I am satisfied that we won against a strong team like the Czech Republic”, Greek captain Marios Gkiourdas said, “With this victory we reached our target, namely finishing amongst the best three in the group.”
“We didn’t have the power for a good finish”, Czech coach Laurent Tillie said, “We were close to the semifinals but now we are only fifth in the group, which is very disappointing for us.”
Greek Ilias Lappas was the best scorer with 18 points.

With the three matches on Wednesday, play comes to an end in Belgrade. Serbia & Montenegro proceed to the semifinals as the undefeated group winner, meeting the number two of Pool I who will be revealed after Thursday’s final preliminary pool round in Rome. Spain surprised by finishing second and will meet the winner of Pool I in Saturday’s semifinal. Greece finished third, France fourth, Czech Republic fifth and Netherlands sixth.

There will be no competition on Friday, the day of the CEV 26th General Assembly, which will take place in Rome (ITA). Several important people, including the CEV Board of Administration, the Executive Members as well as the presidents of the affiliated national federations, have been invited to attend this event. The CEV will present the various activities of the previous sports season, outline the development of European volleyball and give an overview of future possibilities. A first evaluation of the legislative period 2001-2005 by the Board of Administration and the work of the Commissions will follow, before the statutory election for CEV President, the Board of Administration Members as well as the nomination of Commissions’ Presidents will take place.

Results and further Match Schedule (all times CET)
Preliminary Pool I in Rome (ITA)

03.09.2005	15.30	POL - CRO	3:0	25-22, 25-19, 25-21
03.09.2005	18.00	ITA - POR	3:0	25-19, 25-21, 25-20
03.09.2005	20.30	UKR - RUS	0:3	22-25, 23-25, 21-25
04.09.2005	15.30	POR - CRO	2:3	23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 7-15
04.09.2005	18.00	ITA - UKR	3:0	25-17, 25-23, 25-23
04.09.2005	20.30	RUS - POL	3:1	25-27, 29-27, 29-27, 25-21
05.09.2005	15.30	UKR - POR	2:3	20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 21-25, 13-15
05.09.2005	18.00	POL - ITA	0:3	24-26, 22-25, 19-25
05.09.2005	20.30	CRO - RUS	2:3	25-21, 18-25, 20-25, 25-21, 11-15
07.09.2005	15.30	UKR - POL	1:3	18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 21-25
07.09.2005	18.00	POR - RUS	1:3	25-23, 22-25, 21-25, 18-25
07.09.2005	20.30	ITA - CRO	3:1	20-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-19
08.09.2005	15.30	POL - POR
08.09.2005	18.00	CRO - UKR
08.09.2005	21.00	RUS - ITA

Preliminary Pool I Ranking

1. Italy 8 (12:1), 2. Russia 8 (12:4), 3. Poland 6 (7:7), 4. Croatia 5 (6:11), 5. Portugal 4 (8:11), 6. Ukraine 4 (3:12)

 

Preliminary Pool II in Belgrade (SCG)

02.09.2005	15.30	GRE - NED	3:2	25-20, 15-25, 23-25, 25-21, 15-11
02.09.2005	17.30	FRA - CZE	3:0	25-23, 25-22, 25-20
02.09.2005	20.30	ESP - SCG	0:3	22-25, 17-25, 15-25
03.09.2005	15.30	NED - FRA	1:3	17-25, 22-25, 25-16, 20-25
03.09.2005	18.00	ESP - GRE	3:1	25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 25-20
03.09.2005	20.30	SCG - CZE	3:1	20-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22
04.09.2005	15.30	FRA - ESP	2:3	30-28, 25-16, 23-25, 31-33, 9-15
04.09.2005	18.00	CZE - NED	3:0	25-18, 25-22, 26-24
04.09.2005	20.30	GRE - SCG	0:3	20-25, 15-25, 27-29
06.09.2005	15.30	ESP - CZE	2:3	17-25, 25-22, 25-17, 14-25, 11-15
06.09.2005	18.00	SCG - NED	3:0	25-20, 25-18, 25-19
06.09.2005	20.30	GRE - FRA	3:2	25-22, 26-28, 20-25, 28-26, 15-12
07.09.2005	15.30	NED - ESP	1:3	25-21, 20-25, 21-25, 18-25
07.09.2005	18.00	CZE - GRE	1:3	32-30, 22-25, 19-25, 16-25
07.09.2005	20.30	FRA - SCG	2:3	16-25, 25-20, 25-23, 19-25, 9-15

Preliminary Pool II Ranking

1. Serbia Montenegro 10 (15:3), 2. Spain 8 (11:10), 3. Greece 8 (10:11), 4. France 7 (12:10), 5. Czech Republic 7 (8:11), 6. Netherlands 5 (4:15)

Final Four in Rome (ITA)

10.09.2005	18.00	Semifinal 1
10.09.2005	21.00	Semifinal 2
11.09.2005	17.30	Classification match 3-4
11.09.2005	21.00	Final

 

For further information such as match statistics, match pictures, more detailed match information, etc. please view www.cev.lu, www.eurovolley2005.com, www.eurovolleyroma2005.it, www.osscg.org.yu/eurovolley2005.

More on the web at www.cev.lu

Enjoy & Be There:

02-11 September 2005: Men’s Senior European Championships 2005, Rome (ITA) and Belgrade (SCG).
16-25 September 2005: Women’s Senior European Championships 2005, Pula and Zagreb, Croatia.