22/06/2012 20:00
Israel causes real sensation in Kosice by beating Pool leader Spain
2012 CEV Volleyball European League - Men
Kosice, Slovakia, June 22, 2012. Slovakia beat Denmark in straight sets on Friday (25-15, 25-15, and 25-23) to make a huge step forward along the way to the final four of the 2012 CEV Volleyball European League coming up next weekend in Ankara, Turkey. Pool leader Spain suffered its first loss since the start of the competition as the group around head coach Fernando Munoz was surprisingly edged in five sets (26-24, 24-26, 25-20, 19-25, 8-15) by the real revelation of the tournament, i.e. rookie Israel.
Spain opened strong and went up by three points in the opening set (18:15) before two blocks by Itamar Stein and Ariel Hilman drew level at 22 for Israel. The Israeli eventually dissipated two set balls after going up 24:22 and Spain scored the next four points to go for the provisional 1:0 (26-24). After a provisional 15:11 lead for Spain, Israel hit back in set 2 with Shafranovich acing for the 15 all and the rookies of the competition eventually responded to the loss of the previous set by taking that section of the game with the same score (26-24) via a tricky floating service by Genadi Sokolov. Spain re-asserted its dominance by controlling the operations in set 3 (25-20) but Israel did not surrender and stormed back to call for the tie-break after seizing set 4 with the score of 25-19. Israel stretched that good momentum there going up 4:1 and 6:2 before cruising to the final 15-8 to contribute the real sensation of the day.
“After the results of the matches played yesterday in Pool B we knew we were already qualified for the final four; our goal is to perform at our best next week in Turkey and what happened today out there on court is my sole responsibility” said Spain’s head coach Fernando Munoz. “This is the greatest result since I started coaching this group one and a half year ago. This is a great boost of confidence for these young players who are fighting bravely against some of the best teams in Europe, this makes me very proud of them” stated Zohar Bar-Netzer, Israel’s head coach.
With many fans in attendance as entrance was given for free in Kosice, the home guys of Slovakia enjoyed the loud support of many young people in attendance at “Steel Arena” as they cruised to a speedy 3:0 win over rookie Denmark. Slovakia caught a great start setting the pace all the way through in the opening set (6:2, 12:9, and 21:13) before going for the final 25-15. Slovakia got to the front right from the start of the second set (4:2) with Denmark cutting the gap to one point by 12:11. Frantisek Ogurcak took his side by the hand to move the score up to 18:12 and the home heroes could eventually celebrate the provisional 2:0 via another 25-15. Slovakia got a margin of 4 by the second technical time-out of set 3 but Denmark clawed back for the 18 all, before last year’s winners of the European League could accomplish their mission with an impeccable 3:0 win (25-23).
“I am very happy with this performance because my players were focused right from the start of the match. We made some mistakes in the third set and allowed a comeback of the Danish side but we responded well and could finish it in three sets. Tomorrow we play Israel that today incredibly beat Spain. It will be a tough match” said home coach Stefan Chrtiansky.
“Slovakia played good Volleyball and made it very difficult for us in the first two sets. They won – more than deservedly – this game as they showed a great performance. Tomorrow we play Spain and I am sure they will be additionally motivated after losing to Israel today. We expect the best from our next opponents and we hope to display a good performance too” said Danish assistant coach Martin Olafsen.
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