Spain-Finland
Right from the start Spain showed very clearly that they were going to set the tempo of the game. They got off to an early 3:0 lead, and they kept extending the advantage throughout the whole set. It was 16:8 at the second technical break for the “red fury” who lived up to their nickname storming to a 25-18 to take the first period.
In the second set it was everybody’s game, as both teams battled hard for each and every ball. However, by the second technical break Spain got four points of advantage (16:12). Finland did not give in, though. They fought back with four quick points to reach the tie at 16 all, and then moved ahead 20:18. Spain, however, did not panic, they slowly but surely resumed control of the match and managed to edge their rivals 25-23 to double the lead in sets.
The third set was a matter of routine for Spain as they conceded only 11 points to their rivals. In the end it was a quick and well-deserved victory for the yet unbeaten Spanish side.
Ricardo Maldonado, head coach of Spain: “We have been improving over these days and it all comes to the game against Serbia tomorrow. It will be a break or make bout for both of our teams”.
Andres J. Villena, team captain of Spain: “Finland is a very good team, especially in defense, and we knew that it would not be easy against them. We go step by step, so today we did not think about Serbia. We had to win today, and tomorrow it will be a “live or die”. I am hoping for the best”.
Pekka Lahtinen, head coach of Finland: “We peaked in the second set, but we made some unnecessary errors in the key moments and unfortunately we lost. Spain is a very solid and well organized team, and we did not stand a chance against them”.
To read more news from this competition click on 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship – European Qualification.
Find the full stats from this game on Statistics.
