Portugal
Portugal made a final step in proving their domination in the 2018 FIVB Challenger Cup (4-0, 12-1 set ratio) as they beat the Czech Republic in four sets, partially 18-25, 25-22, 25-19, and 25-16, in front of 3,600 own fans at the Sports and Congress Center in Matosinhos where the Final Four was held.
This means that Portugal earned the right to compete in the 2019 Nations League in which they will replace the last-placed challenger team from this year’s edition of the tournament, South Korea (there will be no playoffs as it was defined upon establishing the 2018 Nations League). Knowing that Portugal have never participated in Group 1 of the FIVB World League (the Nations League predecessor) this is one of the biggest successes of the men’s volleyball in the country along with winning the 2010 CEV European League.
Alexandre Ferreira top-scored for Portugal with 22 points while Jan Hadrava made 12 points for the Czechs.
„This is a moment that marks the life of those present in the competition hall. It’s the most important moment for the national team since the win in the 2010 European League because it places us in the top of the European teams and grants us access to the Volleyball Nations League. It will be a challenge for us to bring here the major world teams. I don’t believe in miraculous formulas, only on daily hard work and a very strong will from this group to leave something that stays in the memory of all, and that helps overcome the stigma that the others are better than we are,“ Portugal coach Hugo Silva said.
Estonia won the bronze medal by defeating Cuba with a 3-0 (30-28, 25-21, 25-16).
To see complete results, stats, and standings, visit our FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup 2018 / Male / Seniors page.
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