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Volleyball

Injuries, sicknesses, nothing could stop the Brazilian squad from getting its third consecutive title at the men’s worlds

By Sidronio Henrique

Brazilian players celebrate the title after beating Cuba. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

It could have been a little more difficult. The Cubans had beaten Brazil by 3-2 in the first round, something they had been trying for years. However, at the decisive moment, in the final of the 2010 men’s world championship, held in Italy, the Brazilians showed all their power and made clear why they have won almost everything since 2001. Brazil smashed Cuba by 3-0 in just one hour and fourteen minutes, (25-22, 25-14 and 25-22). It was the third consecutive title for Brazil, after the victories in 2002, in Argentina, and in 2006, in Japan, always with Bernardo Rezende as the head coach. Brazil defeated Cuba in the gold-medal match at the Palalottomatica, in Rome, in front of 12,000 fans.

The impressive physical strength of the Cubans wasn’t enough to stop the refined Brazilian game style. Sometimes, the superiority of the South Americans was so substantial that it was hard to believe they had lost to Cuba two weeks before. In the second set, for example, the Brazilians were quickly ahead by 7-1, leaving the Cuban head coach, Orlando Samuels, desperate.

With three of the four left side hitters injured, one right side in the same situation, and without the starter setter, who had colitis, it seemed Brazil was going to see the end of their dominance in the worlds. The team started the tournament disappointing its fans, playing slowly and making too many mistakes. An unexpected set lost to Spain and a loss to Cuba in five sets gave the impression we would see a new world champion, but in the second round Brazil was back on track, and destroyed the strong Polish team. Another loss, this time to Bulgaria, in a game where both squads tried to lose to advance to an easier pool, then Brazil faced Czech Republic and Germany. Against the Czech, Brazil had some trouble, but finished the match after a convincing fifth set. Next day, playing Germany, Brazil was almost flawless, moving to battle with Italy in the semifinals. The match, eagerly expected, since the Brazilian coach accused International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) of creating a formula to benefit the host, was largely dominated by Brazil.

Meanwhile, Cuba had a thrilling five-set match versus Serbia to take its berth in the final. The same team that had defeated them in the second round, and also in the bronze medal match at the 2010 World League. Cuba was losing 11-13 in the fifth set, but came from behind and closed the set and the match by 16-14.

Brazil’s captain, the veteran Gilberto “Giba” Godoy, considered one of the best players ever, but who barely played in this tournament due to an injured shoulder, stressed the union of the group, something he said was essential to expand their collection of titles.

Brazil’s Murilo was named MVP of the tournament. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

Another veteran of Team Brazil, left side Murilo Endres was chosen the most valuable player – he had also been the MVP at the World League. Murilo was a substitute until last year, something that shows the high quality of the Brazilian roster.

Canada was eliminated in the first round, after playing in the so-called “pool of death”, facing Poland, Serbia and Germany. The 19^th place could be considered disappointing at first glance when you compare it to the 11^th in the last edition of the world championship, but this time Canada played stronger opponents in the first round, and managed to beat one of them, which hadn’t happened four years ago. The victory by 3-1 against Serbia may give the Canucks more attention in the international scenario – the Serbians finished third, after beating Italy in the bronze medal match, and also defeated some other tough opponents throughout the tournament like Cuba and Russia.

Before the worlds, during a series of exhibition matches in Ontario and Quebec, Canada dared to beat Cuba by 3-1. It was just a friendly game, the Cubans were without three starters, but a team with Robertlandy Simon, best blocker in the world championship, Fernando Hernandez and Joandry Leal is definitely strong. Some Cuban players, like Hernandez and Henry Bell, said Canada improved in serving and blocking. Despite the elimination, Dan Lewis finished the first round as the best libero – Germany’s Ferdinand Tille, 21-years-old, got the award in the end. The squad coached by Glenn Hoag, a former middle who played in the 1984 Olympics, proved to be a group when many substitutes had an important role during the victory against Serbia and also in the defeat to Germany, a match where Canada put some pressure in the first two sets, before falling 0-3. Maybe the fans can expect better results for Team Canada in the next years.

Team Canada upset Serbia in the first surprise of the worlds. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

2010 Men’s Volleyball World Championship

Final standing

Volleyball

Bad seeding and poor formula made the 2010 men’s world championship a big joke, where to advance losing can be more interesting than winning

By Sidronio Henrique

Theo Lopes, a back-up right side, played as a setter for Brazil against Bulgaria. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

What a shame! The second round of the 2010 men’s world championship held in Italy is over, but instead of the technical level, the buzz is about some unexpected results. Not those that would add more excitement or change the scenario, but deliberated losses. Started on September 25^th, the tournament finishes on October 10^th.

“Palhaços” (clowns), shouted the Brazilian crowd last Saturday at their own players in the city of Ancona, as the Brazilian squad was making an effort to lose against Bulgaria, a team they easily and recently defeated four times in a row during the World League. Near the end of the match, Brazilian supporters turned their back to the court. The disposition to play was so high in the Brazilian side that Theo Lopes, a substitute right side, was playing as a setter. Bulgaria won by 3-0, and both teams advanced, but Brazil, ranked number 1 in the world and trying its third consecutive title, will have an easier task in the third round, although they finished second in their pool, behind Bulgaria. By the way, the Bulgarians also tried to lose, lining-up only with substitutes. In the battle to see who would get defeated, the fans at Palarossini Gymnasium felt like losers.

It wasn’t the first time that something like that happened at this tournament. A day before, in Catania, Russia let Spain win. After the strong Russian team was leading 2-0, vice-champion this year at the World League, it simply stopped playing, it sometimes didn’t even try to block the Spaniards. The last three points by Spain at the fifth set were a clear demonstration of the lack of appetite of the Russians for the game.

Team France, who had been one of the best squads in the first round, when they stopped the physically strong Czech and also beat Bulgaria, started the second round playing Argentina. It was quite strange to watch France lose 3-1 against Argentina. Not if you look at the formula, though. Finishing second in a pool that also had Japan, France would advance to a much easier group next round. The Argentineans tried to lose later against Japan, but there was a risk of being eliminated on the point ratio criteria, so they decided to win. That’s volleyball at the 2010 world championship. Other matches had some weird results.

Some coaches, like the multi-champion Bernardo Rezende, a man who transformed Team Brazil from a strong group to an almost unbeatable squad last decade, accuse International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) of creating a formula to benefit Italy, the host country. Three times world champions in the 1990s, the Italian were overshadowed by Brazil early in the 2000s. Later, in the mid 2000s, they also lost the spot as the second best squad in the world. This year, for example, at the World League, Italy failed to reach the final four – the last time Team Italy obtained a medal at the World League was in 2004. In the last edition of the world championship, in 2006, they finished fifth. At this worlds, with a push of the tifosi, their fanatic supporters, Team Italy remains unbeaten, but the level of the opponents is not even close to the same faced by the powerhouses.

Argentina tries to block France, in a game with another strange result. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

Brazil, Cuba, Serbia, Poland and Bulgaria have had a more difficult way. The Polish were already eliminated, after playing against Brazil and Bulgaria in the second round. Russia hasn’t still been tested, but the perspectives to the third round were frightening, so much they decided to lose to the Spaniards. Meanwhile, Italy played Japan, Egypt, Iran, Germany and Puerto Rico. If the Germans can be considered very consistent, their level doesn’t put them among the top 8 squads in the world. All the others are way below. Reaching the semi-final was never easy like this. In the third round Italy plays France and USA. Even though France is stronger than Argentina (France lost to the South Americans to finish second, running away from Russia and Serbia), facing them is nothing compared to the battle some other squads will have. Team USA vaguely resembles the one that captured the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

These are the pools for the third round:

Pool O (in Rome): Italy, France and USA

Pool P (in Florence): Russia, Serbia and Argentina

Pool Q (in Florence): Cuba, Bulgaria and Spain

Pool R (in Rome): Brazil, Czech Republic and Germany

Spaniard Francesc Llenas digs a ball during the match with Egypt. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

Each first place advances to the semis, which will be held in Rome. Teams who finished second will travel to Modena, where they play for 5^th to 8^th places. The third place of each group will decide 9^th to 12^th places in Florence. From now on, no one can lose if they are thinking of being on the top of the podium on October 10^th.

In pool O, the host appears as the most probable bet, but France may be able to put the Italians to the test. The USA still has most of the Olympic champions in its roster, but they have to improve the level, as we haven’t seen anything significant from them so far in the worlds.

Russia and Serbia will fight in pool P – no chances for the Argentineans. The Russians have a slight advantage over the Serbians, with better hitters overall and that amazing block, but once Nikola Grbic (setter) and Ivan Miljkovic (right side) play for Serbia it’s hard to say if Russia can consider itself already in the semi-final.

The Cubans are stronger than the Bulgarians, and these two should decide who will get a spot in the semis in pool Q. Spain had good matches against Cuba and Brazil in the first round, but they’re not strong enough to be among the top 4.

Brazil, champion of the last two editions, has collected titles through the last decade and has the obligation to beat Czech Republic and Germany, advancing to the semi-final. Losing would be a disaster for the South Americans.

If we don’t have any surprises, we should see in Rome, at the semis, Italy or France versus Brazil, and Russia or Serbia against Cuba or Bulgaria – all of them playing for real. The fans would feel relieved, but surely won’t forget the absurd they had to follow in the tournament.

Volleyball

Men’s world championship held in Italy goes on this Thursday with some surprises and disappointments

By Sidronio Henrique

Fernando Hernandez, from Cuba, attacks against Brazil. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

The first round of the 2010 men’s volleyball world championship, held in Italy, had some surprises and disappointments, a completely different situation if compared to its previous edition, held four years ago in Japan. Who’d have thought Cameroon could qualify to the next phase? Had anyone imagined Bulgaria, of the amazing Matey Kaziyski, with two losses and finishing third in pool E? Would you bet a loonie on Canada against a powerhouse like Serbia? What about Russians and Italians being forced to play a fifth set against Puerto Rico and Iran, respectively? Yeah, times have changed, at least a little bit, in the world of volleyball.

Twenty-four teams started last Saturday, but only 18 remained, divided in six groups of three, where two qualify to the third round. The second round starts this Thursday, ending on Saturday. The tournament finishes on October 10^th. Canada, Iran, Tunisia, Australia, Venezuela and China said goodbye to the championship.

The mighty Brazilians are still the best, but with half of the team injured, and missing their starter setter – who is not showing up at the gymnasium- the multi-champions from South America are having a hard time in Italy. After beating Tunisia in straight sets, Brazil lost one unexpected set against Spain. Thereafter, in the last match of the pool B, they faced Cuba. The loss wasn’t a surprise, once the Cubans are also favourites to the title, but the way Brazil played was far from the ideal. The game was decided in five sets, but the Brazilian team we saw on Monday wasn’t the same that captured their World League FIVB ninth title last July. Marlon, the line-up setter, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease three days before the tournament, and probably won’t play in this tournament. Four hitters are dealing with injuries. The ‘defending champion’ of the last two editions appears distant from the first place this time.

In the second round, Brazil will play against Poland, who hasn’t lost yet, and Bulgaria, a team that despite of the third place in pool E (behind France and Czech Republic) is definitely a threat. Now in pool N, now called “pool of death”, only two of these strong squads will advance.

Pool M has France, Argentina and Japan. Vice-champions of Europe, the French arrived in Italy without being mentioned on the lists of the favourites. Maybe their squad can bring back the good moments France had last decade until 2006, when they almost beat Brazil in the World League final, defeated in five sets. The Bulgarians felt the French power. Now France should finish first in its pool again, followed by a still young Argentina. Expecting Japan in the next phase wouldn’t be wise.

Cameroon celebrates the victory over Australia and the ticket to the second round. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

Pool L is the less interesting in the second round. Okay, Czech Republic beat Bulgaria, but their style is the same old fashioned physical game seen in most of the Eastern European countries. They’ll fight USA for the first place, but both will advance, as the third team is Cameroon. The Africans made news where volleyball is popular when they defeated a boring Australian squad, but reaching the second round is already a big prize considering their level. Team USA was disappointing in the first round. First, they needed five sets to dispatch Mexico. Then, beat Venezuela in straight sets, but far from a convincing game. In the last match, the Americans defeated Argentina, but almost nothing like the team who captured the gold at Bejing Olympics, in 2008. Clayton Stanley and some other champions are there, but maybe they’re more focused on London 2012.

Russia should finish first in Pool I, playing against Spain and Egypt. The Russians, vice-champions in the 2010 World League, had problems in their last match of the first round, when Hector Soto and his mates from Puerto Rico took what was supposed to be an easy match to the fifth set. Team Russia won, but their fans must be worried about the finals. Spain, coached by the legendary Julio Velasco, is more consistent than Egypt, but the Africans, who had good matches against Russia, USA and Finland in the World League, might have a chance to get the second berth.

Russian Maxim Mykhaylov hits during the match with Puerto Rico. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

In pool H, Cuba and Serbia should overplay Mexico and move to the third round. Cubans and Serbians faced each other recently, at the bronze medal match of the World League, the Serbians prevailed. However, Serbia comes from two losses, while Cuba remains unbeaten, and finally managed to win against Brazil. The Caribbean squad has some weapons, like the 17-year-old phenomenon Wilfredo Leon, a left side playing for Cuba since he was 14, and also Fernando Hernandez on the right side – he scored 28 points last Monday when Cuba beat Brazil. I wonder if Igor Kolakovic, Serbia’s head coach, will let their main stars rest when they play Mexico. Kolakovic’s decision against Canada proved to be wrong, and he had to call Olympic champions Nikola Grbic and Ivan Miljkovic to the court as the game went on. Anyway, Canada won by 3-1. Mexico is in a level below Canada, but I hope Kolakovic had learned a lesson.

Italy, Germany and Puerto Rico try one of the two spots in pool G. The path to the Italians seems easy, but the Germans, lead by György Grozer, may take the first place. Team Italy almost lost to Iran, in front of their fanatic crowd, closing the fifth set by 15-13. Those mistakes made Monday would be fatal against Germany. Alessandro Fei, who started in the Italian national team in 1998, is the main player for the host. Puerto Rico appears as the underdog, but if Hector Soto is inspired the opponents would better watch out – some powerhouses were already surprised by Soto and his teammates.

As for Canada, the final result may seems disappointing when compared to the 11^th place obtained four years ago, but back then Team Canada didn’t have any relevant result against the favourites. This time, though eliminated in the first round, Canada had the bad luck to be in the strongest pool, facing Poland, Serbia and Germany. After a tumbling start against the Poles, Canada made news for beating Serbia by 3-1. In their last match, versus Germany, the Canadians showed some ups and downs, but the squad is certainly more respected by their opponents. In Brazil, where volleyball is huge, a veteran columnist called Canada one of the good surprises of the world championship, and expects more from Team Canada in the coming years. So do we.

Volleyball

Team Canada lost in straight sets to Germany, but leaves the men’s world championship after an impressive victory against one of the favourites teams

By Sidronio Henrique

Dustin Schneider setting for Canada. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

After beating Serbia, in the major upset of the tournament so far, Canada faced a strong Team Germany hoping to get one of the spots to the next phase. Although the Canadian boys played better than in the first match against Poland, today what we saw was different from the fast-paced team that defeated the Serbians. Team Canada had its chance in the first set, but they missed two set points, and the Germans took advantage of that. Final score: Germany 3-0 (27-25, 25-22 and 25-20), in the city of Trieste.

Canada’s line-up was the same as yesterday, with Fred Winters and Toon Van Lankvelt (left side), Gavin Schmitt (right side), Adam Simac and Louis-Pierre Mainville (middle), and Dustin Schneider (setter). The match was seen by 4,100 people at the Palatrieste. Canada, Germany, Poland and Serbia are in pool F. Three teams qualify to the next round.

Team Canada started well, opening a 6-3 advantage on the score, leading by 8-6 on the first technical timeout. Germany had a slow start. With their main star injured, the middle Stephan Hübner, one of the best players in the world in his position, the Germans relied especially on their right side, György Grozer, a power hitter who drove  the Polish crazy on the day before, when the Germans lost in the fifth set. Against Canada, Grozer was merciless. Some passing mistakes made at the end gave Germany the opportunity they needed, closing the set in 27-25, in 31 minutes.

The second set begun with a change for Canada, as Dallas Soonias subbed-in Gavin Schmitt. Again, the Canucks put some pressure and controlled the score in the beginning, but the flaws in reception appeared, and Germany was ahead in the first technical timeout by 8-6. This set was a portrait of the difference that separates the elite (though the Germans haven’t got there yet) from good squads. Several times Canada was able to tie the score, but some silly mistakes, perhaps as a result of the low international experience and little time playing together, ruined chances for the North-Americans, allowing the Europeans another triumph, this time 25-22, in 27 minutes.

The third and final set had probably some of lowest technical level moments of the tournament. Poorly played rallies, with lots of free balls, were seen many times – that ‘Mikasa’ deserved more respect. Ahead by 15-14, with an unexpected block by the short Dustin Schneider, Canada said goodbye soon, never leading again, hit by its own mistakes. Germany closed the set in 25-20, in 28 minutes.

During most of the match the Canadian serve wasn’t effective. Without a good serve, it’s almost impossible to block in modern volleyball – the Germans also had a bad time blocking, but their attack was more efficient than Canada’s.

Team Canada said goodbye to the world championship after having the bad luck to be in the strongest pool. Weaker squads are advancing to the next phase. The good news is the victory over a powerhouse like Serbia may bring more attention and respect to the Canadian players in the volleyball world.

Volleyball

Canada was responsible for the first major upset of the men’s world championship, held in Italy, beating Serbia in four sets

By Sidronio Henrique

Winters hits against the Serbians. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

Serbia’s head coach, Igor Kolakovic, should have been more respectful. When Team Serbia stepped into the court at the Palatrieste, in Trieste, their two main players, Olympic champions Nikola Grbic (setter) and Ivan Miljkovic (right side), weren’t in the line-up, although they were very fit physically. Canada was seen as the underdog in pool F, where Poland, Serbia and Germany seemed to have captured the three berths to the next phase even before the tournament started. However, Canada fought against its fate showing consistency the team lacked yesterday, with ball control and variation, swept the bad predictions. Canada won by 3-1 (25-20, 25-22, 17-25 and 25-23).

A crowd of 6,500 people attended the match in Trieste, a great number of them were Serbians. The Italian volleyball fans appeared to sympathize with Canadian squad. The Canucks came from a defeat against Poland (0-3), while the Serbians had dismantled Germany (3-0).

The first set started with one change in the line-up for Canada. The back-up setter Dustin Schneider replaced Josh Howatson, who had a tumbling presentation versus Poland yesterday. The Serbians were without their legends, but still looking very confident. After all, without Grbic and Miljkovic, they managed to get a bronze medal recently at the World League – third year in a row on the podium. The last time Canada and Serbia faced each other during an official match the Europeans left the court with a smashing victory in straight sets, in the last world championship, not allowing the Canadians to get even 20 points in each set. Today, Canada quickly took control of the game, leading by 8-5 on the first technical timeout. Schneider showed ability, making the Serbian block confused, and Team Canada reached the second technical timeout ahead, 16-13. Gavin Schmitt (right side), Fred Winters (left side) and Louis-Pierre Mainville (middle) were the main weapons in attack on the first set. Canada closed the set 25-20.

On the second set, the scenario seemed unaltered. When Canada was leading by 5-3, the Serbian coach had to call stars Grbic and Miljkovic. The European squad was making a lot of mistakes, definitely playing below the expectation, struggling in reception and in attack. With the changes, they improved, and by the second technical timeout Serbia was ahead, 16-14. Not enough to stop Canada though. Mainville had his momentum hitting and blocking, putting Canada on the lead by 19-17. The Serbians resisted and tied the score, but with an amazing block over Miljkovic left side Toon Van Lankvelt scored the 21^st point, while Serbia remained with 19. From there, Canada controlled the nerves and closed the set 25-22.

The third set was a disaster to Canada. Too many mistakes in attack and in reception by Team Canada made things easier to Serbia.  The Europeans were leading by 20-11. Canada’s head coach, Glenn Hoag, made some substitutions – Justin Duff replaced Mainville, Dallas Soonias subbed-in Schmitt, and the rookie John Perrin had his chance to play as he took Lankvelt’s role. Canada improved a little bit by the end, but saw the Serbians win by 25-17.

Miljkovic poor performance in attack may have cost Serbia the game, as on the fourth set we saw both teams battling, and the Serbian star couldn’t stand out in the crucial moments. Canada did its part, especially Justin Duff, a substitute middle player that had a key role throughout the set, and was responsible for the match point, hitting in a one on one attack.

Today, the fans had a chance to see a group. Every player had his time on the court, and every one of them gave his contribution. If Mainville was essential on the first set, but saw his game decline on the second, Justin Duff came in to help the team. Other substitutions proved to be important too, like when Dallas Soonias subbed-in Schmitt. Soonias, originally a right side, had been moved to the left side in July. Back to his old place, he was fundamental on the fourth set. Dan Lewis confirmed he’s a world-class libero. Veteran Fred Winters played consistently, and was the main scorer for Canada, with 14 points – Nikola Kovacevic led the Serbians, and finished the match as the main scorer with 17 points.

Tomorrow Canada faces Germany – later today the Germans will play against Poland. Certainly Team Canada won’t be seen as it used to be before the match today. A few people would make a bet on Canada against Serbia. Well, they had a surprise – a big one.

Volleyball

Team Canada was beaten in straight sets by Poland, showing an inconsistent game

By Sidronio Henrique

Winters, Mainville and Schmitt try to stop Piotr Gruszka. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

The Polish squad wasn’t playing its best, but that wasn’t even necessary to overplay Canada in straight sets earlier today in the opening round of the men’s volleyball world championship, in Italy. The mistakes made by the Canucks, the lack of attention on defence, and the chances wasted when they could score during transitions killed the possibility of giving a hard time to Poland. The European champions defeated Canada by 25-22, 25-21 and 25-13.

Team Canada started with Fred Winters and Toon Van Lankvelt on the left side, Gavin Schmitt on the right side, Adam Simac and Louis-Pierre Mainville playing middle, and Josh Howatson was the line-up setter. Canada is in pool F, completed with Serbia and Germany, in the city of Trieste.

The first set was the most balanced, with both teams a little bit nervous. The veteran Fred Winters, playing for the national team since 2003, was the reference, ending that set as the main scorer for Canada, with five points. The Canadian squad could have won the first set. When the game was tied in 20, Team Canada missed three opportunities to make a kill. Later, Poland was leading 23-22, and Canada was receiving, having the chance to side out, but Howatson made a double touch, giving the Polish their first set point, which was promptly converted.

On the second set, it seemed things had changed. Some float serves by Lankvelt complicated the Polish passing, and Canada opened 3-0. The team kept its rhythm, reaching the first technical time out ahead, 8-3. However, that was the beginning of the end for the Canucks, as the Polish players showed more concentration, specially the setter Pawel Zagumny. On the next technical time out, Poland was leading 16-12 – they had scored 13 points since the previous one, while Canada had only four points. The scenario didn’t change until the end of the set.

The third and last set was the most disappointing for Canadian fans. The team seemed lost. Poland was leading 8-4, then 16-8, and they closed the set with an advantage of 12 points. Some moments were embarrassing, like the two aces scored by Poland that gave them their 15th and 16th points.

As the match went on, Gavin Schmitt grew in importance, finishing as the main Canadian scorer with 13 points – Bartosz Kurek made 19 points for Poland, and was the main scorer of the game. Recently, one of the main Brazilian news websites pointed Schmitt as the best Canadian player, the one to be observed by the opponents, highlighting his achievements in the South Korean league.

Tomorrow, Canada plays against Serbia, a squad that has been playing in a higher level than Poland lately. Team Canada faces Germany on Monday , closing its participation on pool F. Serbia and Germany played today, and the Serbians won 3-0 (25-21, 25-21 and 25-13). Three teams qualify to the next phase.

Volleyball

Men’s tournament starts this coming Saturday in Italy, and Team Canada faces off the European champion in the opening round

By Sidrônio Henrique

Soonias (7) and Mainville (1) block against Cuba during a friendly match in Ottawa. Photo: Phillip MacCallum / Photo Ventures

A few days from its first match on the world championship, Team Canada has something else to worry about than just a powerhouse like Poland – a squad that is simply the European champion, silver medalist in the last edition of this tournament, and arrives in Italy as one of the favourites. The execution of some plays and the improvement in transition as the defence needs more attention are still issues, according to the team manager, Julien Boucher. Canada will play against Serbia and Germany on the sequence in pool F, in the city of Trieste, trying to get one of the three spots to the second phase. The world championship has 24 teams in six groups.

After leaving Canada on September 12^th, the group stopped in Prague, Czech Republic for three matches against their national team. The series would help Canada, who had a low number of games on the way to the world championship, to get used to the style used by its opponents – very physical teams relying on a heavy serve and tall blocks. Even though Czech Republic isn’t as strong as Poland, Serbia and Germany, the results were disappointing to the Canucks – three defeats by 3-0. After Prague, Team Canada headed to Bled, Slovenia to face a local club coached in the last two seasons by Glenn Hoag, Canada’s head coach. In Bled the Canadians tasted a victory, but some problems remain, like those issues mentioned above.

The line-up in the first match versus the Czech will probably be the same in the world championship, with Fred Winters and Dallas Soonias on the left side, Gavin Schmitt on the right side, Adam Simac and Louis-Pierre Mainville as middle players, and Josh Howatson as the setter. However, Julien Boucher said changes still can be made.

Polish and Serbians, the first two adversaries of Canada in Trieste, are ending their route to the tournament playing friendly matches against some of the best teams in the world, but the bad news came from the German side, the third Canadian opponent, and theoretically the less difficult and direct obstacle to the third berth on pool F to the next phase. The Germans beat Italy recently by 3-1 and just finished a series against the ever champion Brazil. Team Germany defeated the Brazilians twice, by 3-2 and 3-0, having surprised Brazil with a strong serve. Obviously, exhibition games involve experiences, and the Brazilian coach, Bernardo Rezende, took the opportunity to give rhythm to some substitutes – Brazil won one match by 3-1. Anyway, the level of the game showed by the Germans was considered very consistent. Germany is coached by Raul Lozano, an Argentine with an impressive resume that includes the silver medal in the last world championship, when he took a relatively young Polish team to an unexpected result.

Julien Boucher commented that Team Canada is studying carefully its three opponents, and they are really focused to the face the challenge which is just about to start.

The International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB) website doesn’t inform yet which matches of the tournament will be streamed – FIVB started a partnership this year at the World League with Laola TV. The Canadian volleyball fans can check it out later at www.fivb.org. At least, the fans will have a live score. The world championship ends on October 10^th. Brazil, the defending champion, Russia, Serbia, Cuba, Poland, Bulgaria and Italy are considered the favourites.

Volleyball

The Canucks play against Poland, Serbia and Germany at the men’s volleyball world championship, starting September 25^th in Italy

Left side Toon Van Lankvelt hits to score against Cuba. Photo: Phillip MacCallum / Photo Ventures

Last time, in 2006, Canada finished 11th, having Fred Winters on the left side and Paul Duerden on the right side as the main hitters. Duerden is no longer playing with the national team, but Winters, a 28-year-old veteran that has been playing in Europe since 2003, is supposedly the one to lead the squad, this time with a help from Dallas Soonias, who has just moved from right side to left side, and Gavin Schmitt as the opposite.

Three effective hitters represent a good scenario for a team that has been relying on only two through the past decade. Two years ago, during the Norceca qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Canada had Winters and an young Soonias when they lost in the semis to Puerto Rico, of the outstanding Hector Soto, and said goodbye to the berth – later taken by the United States.

Dan Lewis, who used to be a left side more recognized for his defense skills though, now is a world-class libero, with a very consistent game. Passing and defending are key for a team who hasn’t the same ball control as elite members like Brazil, United States, Italy or Serbia, or either cannot depend on the strength of their hitters like Russia, Poland, Bulgaria or Cuba.

Soonias, a rookie on the left side, has to develop his skills as a receiver – he started passing last month, as Alexandre Gaumont-Casias, who played on the left side, had to leave the team due to an injury. In some rotations, Louis-Pierre Mainville, a former left side now playing as middle, helps receiving. During a recent series of exhibition matches against Cuba, Glenn Hoag also put Toon Van Lankvelt to play, as a sub for Winters – the veteran injured a finger during the first match.

In the middle, besides Mainville, Adam Simac is one of the starters. Josh Howatson is the line-up setter, a fast thinker, but struggles with the lack of training with his teammates, as the squad hasn’t played enough since they got together in May – started the season at the Pan American Cup, in Puerto Rico, headed to Australia for four matches against the Aussies, and finally had three games in Canada versus Cuba. According to Hoag, one of his main concerns is the adjustment of the timing of the plays in the middle. Team Canada is looking for more variation, trying to surprise their opponents.

Dealing with some injuries on his group, Glenn Hoag hopes to develop a pool of athletes who could change their game when a key guy is hurt or cannot play,  so the squad would be able to absorb that and keep the level.

Team Canada celebrates a point during a friendly match against Cuba in Ottawa. Photo: Phillip MacCallum / Photo Ventures

Adversaries

The first match at the World Championship will be against Poland, one of the most traditional teams in the world, silver medalist in the last edition and also European champion. However, the most recent results made their fans worried. The Polish team had a disappointing performance last year at the World Grand Champions Cup, when they finished fourth in a tournament with six teams, losing the third place to an improbable Japan. At the 2010 World League, Poland didn’t qualify to the finals, but the coach Daniel Castellani has been putting the pieces together, bringing back some veterans, ready to try to keep the Polish tradition. Four years ago, in the World Championship held in Japan, Poland outplayed Canada in straight sets.

The Serbians, second opponents of Team Canada, are probably the strongest squad on the pool. They recently finished third at the World League, holding a place at the podium for the third year in a row. Lead by the right side Ivan Miljkovic and the setter Nikola Grbic, both among the best in the world in their position, the Serbians will arrive in Italy as one of the favourites. They also beat Canada 3-0 in 2006 during the World Championship.

In theory, Germany is the less difficult barrier to the Canadian dream of advancing to the next phase, but it will not be easy. Coached by Raul Lozano, who took Poland to the second place in the last edition of the tournament, the Germans have high quality players like Stephan Hübner, a middle blocker. Team Germany is definitely a world class side. Probably they will battle against Canada for the third berth on the final round of pool F, stepping in as the favourite.

“We will play our best in Italy, I don’t think of ourselves as the underdog”, said Dallas Soonias after one of the friendly matches against Cuba. Adam Simac sees a more consistent team as the World Championship approaches. And Fred Winters is absolutely confident in good presentations of Team Canada in Trieste.

Against Cuba, in late August, Canada won one match, with a thrilling triumph by 3-1 in Ottawa. The Cubans, without three starters, saw Canada serving well that night. Although concerned with some aspects of the game, Glenn Hoag was satisfied with the improvement at the passing system. Anyway, blocking and getting more effectiveness on the attack on the middle were still an issue less than a month before the tournament.

Brazil, the defending champion, Russia, Serbia, Cuba, Poland, Bulgaria and Italy, supported by their fanatic crowd, show up as the main candidates to the title. On the International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB) rank Canada appears as the 20th, but it doesn’t reflect the reality of the scenario of this sport, once the regional competitions are given too much points. This way, for have won the weak African championship and for have gotten a berth for the last Olympics at the regional qualification, a mid-level team like Egypt appears at 14th place, while much stronger squads like Netherlands (27th) or Finland (33rd), facing tough opponents in Europe, have a low rank.

Absent from the World League since 2008, when the team dropped due to the lack of funds, Canada has been playing a low number of international matches compared to the main squads, like Brazil or Russia.

It takes a long time to make a team play consistently during most of the matches, with ball control, and keeping the attention in the crucial moments. More training and the gain of international experience would give Canada a chance to play in equal conditions against the powerhouses. Glenn Hoag, internationally recognized by his job in some of the most important clubs in Europe, knows the road. This is not something for this Olympic cycle, but maybe in one or two we could see Team Canada arriving at the main competitions with the same status it had back in the 1980s.

Stanley and his teammates warming up for the first game in Chicago. Photo: Joel Masci

“I wish we could get more people to watch volleyball”: Clayton Stanley

The man who destroyed the Brazilian dream of winning the gold medal in the last Olympics after dominating the sport during the decade talks about how intense volleyball can be, the dream of seeing the rising popularity of that sport in North America, and shows concern about the training of the American squad towards the World Championship in September. But he is confident about his way to the next Olympics, to be held in London, 2012. One gold medal is not enough to Clayton Stanley, the MVP of the men’s volleyball tournament at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. PanTV interviewed him in Chicago, during the World League.

By Sidronio Henrique

Every Brazilian volleyball fan knows him very well; it’s a household name – Clayton Stanley, an American opposite hitter, the most valuable player of the 2008 Olympic Games. Italians, Bulgarians, Serbians and Russians had felt the power of his kills, when he and his mates finally faced Brazil in the final match at Beijing Olympics. A sequence of serves by Stanley put the Americans 6-0 ahead in the second set, after Brazil won the first. Stanley’s destroying serves was only the beginning of a comeback. The match ended 3-1 to the US team – 20 years later they got the gold again, led by Stanley, who was also the best scorer and the best server of the tournament. To Brazil, the silver medal had a bitter taste, a disappointment for a group who had won every major title in that decade until then. Clayton Stanley, a 6’8’’ tall athlete, 32 years old, doesn’t bring back good memories to the Brazilian volleyball fans.

On the last weekend of June, in Chicago, PanTV talked with the top American volleyball player — the US team hosted Finland for two matches at the 21^st edition of the World League. A star in Russia, where he has been playing in the last four years, after two seasons in Greece, Stanley can walk anonymously in any American city. “I wish we could get more people to watch volleyball”, he said, after helping his squad to beat the Finnish on the second match. Being recognized, according to him, is not relevant, but making volleyball big in the land of baseball is a goal. The Sears Arena, with 12,000 seats, had only 3,500 people on the first night, and 4,000 on the second — a small audience to the Olympic champions, a modest number if we think about the packed gymnasiums in Brazil with 20,000 people to watch Giba, Dante or Murilo playing for the national team.

Attracting people to watch volleyball in North America is a tough task, agrees the MVP of the Beijing Olympics. Without support from the media, almost none TV coverage, the sport has been seen only by a few fans. A local newspaper in Chicago covered the first match, but focused on Sean Rooney, an outside hitter for the US team who was born in the city, saying almost nothing about the game. A local blogger informed that two years ago, also during the World League, he had to explain to a photographer of another Chicago newspaper what kind of pictures could be interesting for volleyball coverage — the photographer had no clue.

Two teenagers were waiting to take pictures with Stanley as he was coming to talk to PanTV – a contrast in comparison to the legion of fans in Brazil that go frenzy every time a Brazilian player walks by near the crowd. “People here don’t understand how intense volleyball can be. It is a tough sport, very demanding”, he stresses.

In three months the World Championship starts, the most important competition of the year, and the second most relevant for volleyball, after the Olympics. Both are held every four years — the World League is annual. The World Championship will be held in Italy, in late September. Brazil, the defending champion, and Russia are, in Stanley’s opinion, the main obstacles on the way of his team to a title the US only won 24 years ago — when a legend called Karch Kiraly was the lead and helped to put the pieces together in order to beat the former USSR, another powerhouse in the eighties. “Brazil has so many talented players, and they keep coming”, says Stanley, showing respect to the number one team on the FIVB (International Federation of Volleyball) rank — the US comes right after, as number two. The new Cuban generation, who beat the Americans last year in the continental tournament, is also a source of concern.

If two years ago the American squad was running smoothly, today things go different. Some veteran players are injured, new faces joined the team representing new blood but lacking in experience. “We are trying to keep the team together, but there are many problems”, Stanley affirms, referring to the injuries — that weekend the captain William Priddy, an outside hitter and one of the best American players, had to be subbed in due to some pain. “It is a young team, but we have a long journey until London 2012”, says Clayton Stanley, looking ahead to another gold medal. The Brazilians surely don’t want him to be as inspired as he was in 2008.

Stanley’s father, Jon, played on the 1968 American men’s Olympic volleyball team and he is a member of the Volleyball Hall of Fame. Clay’s step-grandfather, Tom Haine, was also on 1968 men’s Olympic volleyball team. Clay’s mother, Sandra Haine, played professionally for the Denver Comets as well as for Canada’s national team. With Stanley’s first Olympic appearance in 2004 he and his father became the first father-son Olympians in USA Volleyball history.

Stanley hits in the second match in Chicago. Photo: Courtesy FIVB

The matches

The Finnish team started the weekend surprising the host, but on the second match the Americans downed the visitors.

A short outside hitter for professional volleyball, only 6’5’’ tall, the Finn Urpo Sivula, a 22 year old player, was the name of the first game with 31 points on 28 kills, two blocks and one ace. The Finns stun the US squad with a 3-2. The Finnish coach, the Italian Mauro Berruto, was proud that night in Chicago. “I have been forced to congratulate our opponent the last four times. This was a victory against one of the best teams in the world. Passing was key. We showed a real improvement”, said Berruto.

Back on track, the Americans were more consistent on the second night in Chicago, and led by the veteran Clayton Stanley they showed a more appropriate game to their position as the second ranked team in the world. Stanley scored 19 points on 15 kills, one block and three aces. Still, the top scorer that night was the Finnish Urpo Sivula with 22 points on 22 kills. “I thought it was important that we improve in transition and we did that”, remarked Alan Knipe, the American coach.

The US and Finland are on pool C of the World League – there are four groups. Russia leads with nine victories and one defeat, followed by the Americans with a 7-3 record – Egypt completes the group. Brazil leads pool A. The finals will be held from July 21 to 25, in Cordoba, Argentina. Brazil and Italy are the biggest winners of the World League, with eight titles each.

Canada

The last time Canada participated of the World League was in 2007. Canada team was supposed to participate in the 2008 edition, but dropped due to lack of funds. The Canadian men’s team is now ranked 20^th by FIVB. Canada doesn’t qualify to the men’s volleyball tournament at the Olympic Games since Barcelona, in 1992, when they finished in 10^th place. Their best participation was in the 1984 Olympics, held in Los Angeles, with a 4^th place – Canada had one of the best teams in the world in the first half of the eighties, but the sport never took off in the country.