General meeting
In Pool II, the classic powers Serbia, Russia as well as Turkey are the favorites for the final four tickets of the prestigious CEV under 17 age category competition. Two weeks before the boys will battle for medals in Laktasi (BIH) and Belgrade (SRB), Kladovo (Serbia) and Bar (Montenegro) will be in the spot light for the prominent CEV event at SRC “Jezero” that hosts Pool II and Topolica Sports Hall featuring Pool I.
All twelve teams have safely arrived in Serbia and Montenegro where the organizers provide a perfect platform for the next generation of stars to showcase their skills on the continental stage and potentially take the big step into the giant world of the senior ranks. Pool II action gets under way on Friday at 15.00 (local time) with Russia challenging Germany, Turkey facing France (17.30) as well as host Serbia taking on the Netherlands. Kick-off in Pool I in Bar is on Saturday. A total of 38 matches will be played during the tournament, running from March 29 to April 7 in co-organization by the Serbian and Montenegrin Volleyball Federation.
The Preliminary Phase of the 2013 CEV Youth Volleyball European Championship – Girls is split into two pools of six teams with the top two from each pool advancing to the semifinals. Pool I comprises host Montenegro, Italy, Slovenia, Greece, the Czech Republic as well as Poland. Pool II sees the local heroines from Serbia defending their reputations versus Russia, Germany, France, Turkey and the Netherlands.
Serbia Head Coach Marijana Boricic: “Our first target is to qualify for the FIVB World Championship in Thailand. Our last two generations made it to the semifinals; this year it will be very difficult as the Pool II teams are very strong.”
Russia Head Coach Yury Shchuplov: “We’ll do our best to present the Russian Volleyball tradition in the best possible way.”
Turkey head coach Sahin Catma: “This is a new generation. It’s not enough to just look back as a titleholder and go on dreaming. We have to work hard. We are a strong team, but need to prove it.”
Germany head coach Jens Tietböhl: “It’s a very strong pool here in Kladovo. With my team I hope to qualify for the next phase in Bar.”
The Netherlands Head Coach Saskia Van Hintum: “We are very happy to participate in the final round of the 2013 Youth Euro Champs. The organization is perfect so far; we feel like at home. It’s the first big experience on that level for the girls. They are very excited.”
France Head Coach Serge Marouteau: “It’s the second time in history we have qualified for the final round. Our dream is to go one step further by claiming a ticket for the World Champs in Thailand.”
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