Nine-time champions Brazil as well as Russia and Italy remained unbeaten as the second weekend of the 2011 World League drew to a close on Sunday evening. Bulgaria, Finland, Argentina, USA, Serbia, and Korea all earned victories on their second weekend of the 22nd edition of this annual men’s volleyball tournament.
After four matches for each team, things are pretty much the same as last year. Brazil and Russia are the favourites, and are expected to repeat the 2010 final – Brazil won it. Although Italy remains unbeaten, their pool in the preliminary phase is an easy one, with Cuba and France facing trouble without some of their best players, and Korea with their traditional strong defence skills but a not so effective attack. This coming weekend Brazil plays USA, and Russia plays Bulgaria.
Sixteen teams participate at the 2011 World League.Pool A: Brazil, USA, Poland, and Puerto RicoPool B: Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, and JapanPool C: Serbia, Argentina, Finland, and PortugalPool D: Cuba, Italy, France, and Korea
Eight teams advance to the final round, to be held from July 6-10, in Gdansk, Poland. The four winners of pools and four second placed. If Poland is ranked below the top two at the intercontinental stage, they still qualify for the final round and the three best second teams join them.
Murilo hits against the Poles during the match held last Sunday.
After the World Championships, last October, the top men’s volleyball squads will be fighting again, this time for the 2011 World League title. You can follow the tournament that starts this coming weekend on Laola TV (see the link at the bottom). According to International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Laola will stream one match per week plus the finals. There will be restrictions depending where rights are sold, but not for Canada. Due to TV rights, it won’t be streamed to Brazil.
The WL is an annual tournament that started in 1990. Brazil, the defending champion, holds the record of nine titles. The Brazilians won eight of the last ten editions. Last year they defeated Russia 3:1 in the final match. Italy has eight titles. Russia, USA, Cuba, and Netherlands have one title each one.
Last time Canadians participated at the WL was in 2007, being eliminated in the preliminary pool. Team Canada was supposed to participate at the 2008 World League, but dropped out due to lack of funds. The Canucks are trying to make their comeback. First, they have to get a berth to the world qualifying to be given at the Pan Am Cup, a tournament that will be held from June 13-18, in Gatineau (QC).
Sixteen teams will participate at the 2011 World League.
Pool A: Brazil, USA, Poland, and Puerto Rico
Pool B: Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, and Japan
Pool C: Serbia, Argentina, Finland, and Portugal
Pool D: Cuba, Italy, France, and Korea
In 2010 Brazil won its ninth title at the World League
The first match broadcast will be Poland’s clash at home against USA this Saturday, May 28. Week two will feature Serbia’s home match against Finland in Belgrade in Pool C on June 4, with week three also featuring Finland, this time against Argentina in Lahti on June 11. On week four fans will be able to watch one of the biggest rivalries in volleyball as Italy host France in Catania on June 18 in Pool D, while week five will see Germany take on Russia in Pool B on June 24 in Berlin. Week six will feature Poland again, this time taking on defending champions Brazil in Katowice on June 30, in what could be a deciding match in Pool A. The time the matches will start should be checked at Laola website.
The Intercontinental round takes place from May 27 to July 1. Each team plays two matches against the same opponent on separate days over the same weekend. With three rounds at home and three away, there are a total of 12 matches for each team and an overall total of 96 matches in the intercontinental round. Cuba and Japan will be playing all of their matches away from home this year. Cuba is renovating their national stadium, in Havana, so they will play their games as visitors, as will Japan following the nuclear disaster that struck the country in March.
Eight teams advance to the final round, to be held from July 6-10, in Gdansk, Poland – the four winners of pools and four second placed. If Poland is ranked below the top two at the intercontinental stage, they still qualify for the final round and the three best second teams join them. All the matches in the finals will be streamed by Laola TV.
The teams will be divided in two Pools “E” and “F” of four teams each and will play round-robin during the first three days. The two top teams of each pool will advance to crossed semi-finals (1st of pool E Vs 2nd of pool F and 1st of pool F Vs 2nd of pool E) and final matches.
Nine squads will be joining Team Canada for the men’s volleyball Pan American Cup, an annual tournament that goes to its sixth edition. For the first time in Canada, the Pan Am Cup will take place from June 13th to 18th, at Robert Guertin Centre, a 3,200 seats arena in Gatineau (QC). Besides Canada, we will see playing in Gatineau the following countries: USA, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Panama, and Bahamas.
Team Canada ranked fifth in 2011 Pan Am Cup – USA won it. Canada’s best result was a silver medal in 2008 and 2009. The Canadians also got a bronze medal in 2006. Brazil and Argentina are expected to arrive a week before the start of the tournament to train and play some friendly matches against Canada.
The Pan Am Cup gives one team the chance to go to the world qualifier for the 2012 World League – last year Puerto Rico got the ticket, after beating Canada in five sets, and later, at the world qualifier, defeated China and Portugal to confirm their presence at the 2011 World League. Brazil, USA, Argentina, and Puerto Rico will send B squads or junior teams to Gatineau, once their top players will be busy with the 2011 WL. Since all those national teams are already in the World League, the Canucks can still hold a spot to the world qualifier if they finish behind those squads. Venezuelans and Mexicans may be a threat. Venezuela also wants to return to the World League, and Mexico, still trying its debut at the WL, did well last year at the World Championships. The last time Canadians participated at the WL was in 2007, being eliminated in the preliminary pool.
According to Volleyball Canada, the biggest financial obstacle with the World League is around FIVB TV rights fees and production costs. VC is currently in discussions with broadcast companies about this aspect in case Team Canada gets through the qualifying round and eventually advances to the 2012 World League.
The Pan Am Cup has three pools in the first round. The gold medal match is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th, at 8pm.
Pool A: Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela
Pool B: Canada, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic
PanTV visits D. Snow’s first album (Living It Up) release party and Brazilian Ball after party at the Mod Club in Toronto, Canada. The party happened on April 17 2011 and featured D. Snow with musical guests DJ Douggy, Bigg Blu, Crossbow, Huge, Thiago dos Santos and DJ Vince.
Party guests from Brazil interviewed by PanTV include models Flavio and Gustavo Mendonça, hair stylist Helio de Souza, carnival muse and actress Quiteria Chagas, Gustavo Pinto, dancer Danielle Rocha, stylist Victor Dzenk and DJ Paulinho.
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 19th place could be considered disappointing at first glance when you compare it to the 11th 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
After some ups and downs, men’s world championship goes into its finals in Rome, where Brazil, Italy, Cuba and Serbia will battle
By Sidronio Henrique
Brazilian players celebrate after beating Germany. Photo: Courtesy FIVB
The defending champion Brazil is there. So is the strong Serbian squad. The host country, Italy, also took a spot. Cuba completed the final four. This weekend, in Rome, these four teams will decide who’s going to be the 2010 world champion, in a tournament with a strange formula, some deliberated losses and few thrilling matches. Semifinals will be held on Saturday, and the bronze and gold medal matches on Sunday.
Brazil, who’s been calling the shots since 2001, still the favourite, but with half of the players dealing with injuries and with the starter setter recovering from an intestinal inflammation, the South Americans may not be able to stop Serbia nor Cuba. Before that, the Brazilians have to beat Italy, in a much expected semifinals game, as the two squads have been teasing each other in the last days. The Italians, although playing in front of their fanatic crowd, are considered the most improbable to get the gold, but they still have some chances. Brazil defeated Czech Republic and Germany in the third round, while Italy beat USA and France.
Seventeen-year-old Leon, of Cuba, hits against Bulgaria. Photo: Courtesy FIVB
Cubans and Serbians play at the other semifinal. They already met at this tournament when Serbia won by 3-1 – the Europeans also won the previous two matches against Cuba. Anyway, the Cubans arrived in Rome extremely motivated after saving some match points in a thrilling five-set match against Bulgaria, when they confirmed their spot in the semis. The youngest player at the tournament at 17, Wilfredo Leon top scored for Cuba with 22 points in the game versus Bulgaria – they also beat Spain in the third round. The Serbians had to dispatch simply Russia, one of the main favourites, especially after holding a silver medal recently at the World League. Their victory by 3-1 over the Russians was also very intense. In another match, Argentina fell to Serbia.
Italy won the world championship three times: 1990, 1994 and 1998. For the Serbians and Cubans, that would be something new. Cuba had its best chance in 1990, when the team led by legendary Joel Despaigne lost in the final to the Italians, who had simply a phenomenon called Andrea Zorzi as their main hitter – Zorzi is now a TV commentator and has a blog dedicated to volleyball. Serbia, as the former Yugoslavia, won the gold medal at 2000 Sydney Olympics, but never reached the final in a world championship – two veterans were in Sydney, setter Nikola Grbic and right side Ivan Miljkovic. Brazil tries its third consecutive title under the command of Bernardo Rezende, considered one of the best coaches ever. Will we have another gold to Italians or Brazilians? Maybe a new champion, as Cubans and Serbians are coming strong. Sunday we will know.
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 25th, the tournament finishes on October 10th.
“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 5th to 8th places. The third place of each group will decide 9th to 12th places in Florence. From now on, no one can lose if they are thinking of being on the top of the podium on October 10th.
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.
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 10th. 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 11th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 21st 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.
