Slovakia-Croatia
Croatia started the match in a better way, getting off to a 5:3 and 8:6 lead before the first technical time-out. However, Slovakia quickly managed to level the score at 9:9. The teams played point-for-point until the second technical break (16:15 to Croatia) but then the Croats pushed forward creating a 4-point gap at 22:18. Slovakia could not recover, and Croatia went in front 1:0 in sets after winning the first period 25-19.
The second set started in the same fashion, but this time Slovakia went to the first technical break with an 8:6 lead. After that it was all about Slovakia who extended the lead to 16:10 at the second technical time-out, and then routinely wrapped up the set at 25-19 to equalize the match.
Slovakia continued playing well in the third set. They got off to an early 3:0 lead, and then successfully maintained it through the second technical break (16:13). After the pause, the Slovaks stormed to a 25-16 to take a 2:1 lead in sets. In the fourth set Croatia was too exhausted to challenge the inspired Slovak team. They trailed by 3 to 4 points the whole time, and Slovakia ended the match at 25-21 with no major problems.
Miroslav Palgut, head coach of Slovakia: “It is important that we won the last match in the tournament. All players are tired but they are satisfied because they did their best and I congratulate them on their effort”.
Adam Prielozny, captain of Slovakia: “It was a good tournament for us. We have a very young team and this was a valuable experience for these young guys who had the opportunity to play against strong teams like Serbia and Spain”.
Miroslav Krunić, head coach of Croatia: “We were a little bit tired today. We started well, but we could not maintain the rhythm. I think we are a better team than Slovakia currently is, and I am disappointed with this loss”.
Fran Peterlin, Croatia’s receiver: “We did not have any luck in attack today. The coach tried some tactical schemes but they did not work because we were too tired and we could not respond to his requests”.
To read more news from this competition click on 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship – European Qualification.
