Czech-Republic
The Czech Republic easily defeated Chile by a 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-18) to finish at the top of Pool B with a maximum of 6 points and a 2-0 record, not losing a single set. Donovan Džavoronok top-scored for the Czechs, who will play the semifinal against the second-placed side in Pool A, with 12 points.
„I don’t have a preference for any opponent on the semifinals, Portugal, Estonia or Kazakhstan. They all have good teams but we are prepared. We’ll have a day off to rest and prepare for our semifinal. This competition is at a good level and teams such as Cuba and Chile are very young which means that they have a good future. Today we were better in all aspects. We used all the team and I was pleased with our match,“ the Czech Republic head coach Michal Nekola said.
Cuba and Chile will go head-to-head in the last round to decide on the second ticket for semis when it comes to Pool B.
Estonia recovered from losing to Portugal in Round 2 to beat Kazakhstan in four sets, partially 25-22, 19-25, 25-19, 25-20, in Pool A and remain in contention for the semifinal. Despite the fact Portugal had a day off, they got a ticket for the semis as Kazakhstan took one set away from Estonia. Renee Teppan stood out for Estonia with 17 points (5 aces) while Timo Tammemaa and Andri Aganits made 4 kill blocks apiece. Maksim Michshenko scored 21 points for Kazakhstan who need to score a three-point win versus Portugal in the last round to advance to the semifinal. Nodirkhan Kadirkhanov made 5 kill blocks.
„Today we were under double pressure, but I’m very proud of my players that they came out of this difficult situation with a decent game,“ Estonia head coach Gheorghe Crețu stated.
To see complete results, stats, and standings, visit our FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup 2018 / Male / Seniors page.
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