Czech-Republic
Yesterday, in the penultimate round, two teams secured their berths for the semifinals, Germany from Pool 1 and Italy from Pool 2, both as the top seeds. Today’s games of the last day meant nothing to them but were important to their rivals. More precisely to Germany’s rivals, Czech Republic.
One of the co-hosts of the tournament, the Czech Republic, beat Germany in Pool 1, in Zlín, by a 3-1 (25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22) to advance to the semifinals, which will be held in the same city, as the second-seed. Dukla Liberec youth team outside hitter Matouš Drahoňovský topped the Czech’s with 19 points. Simon Pfretzschner, who competes for ASV Dachau (the German Division 3) scored 15 points for Germany while Maximilian Kersting from WWK VCO Kempfenhausen (also competes in the country’s Division 3) added 4 kill blocks. Bulgaria was most affected by this outcome because they would play semifinals in case Germany beat the Czech Republic.
In a direct duel for No.2 in Pool 2, Russia outplayed Belgium in Púchov (Slovakia) in straight sets, partially 25-13, 25-22, 25-22. Outside hitter of Dagestan Makhachkala (Division 2) youth team, Omar Kurbanov, was the best scorer in „Zbornaya“ with 18 points. He recorded 79% reception (14 digs, 21% excellent). Joost Peeters scored 10 points for Belgium.
Semifinal lineup (April 14):
Germany vs. Russia
Italy vs. Czech Republic
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