F.Y.R. of Macedonia – Ukraine
The guys mentored by Bulgarian-born head coach Nikolai Jeliazkov did show they were well ready for the most important game of the year and even though they trailed 21:24 in the first set – Sergey Tyutlin was pacing Ukraine with his terrific spikes – Macedonia could flip the charts around. Team captain Nikola Gjorgiev and Vlado Milev took their side by the hand and could finalize their great comeback by sealing the final 29-27 on the scoreboard. After that, FYROM could more easily set the tempo of the game thereby delighting some 1’000 fans in attendance at SRC Kale sports hall in Skopje. Only a few people would believe Macedonia could beat Ukraine in straight sets but once again the good tactics prepared by Jeliazkov and a great team spirit paved the way for another – the third this weekend – success of the home side.
In the other match of the day – that was nevertheless not going to impact on the final charts of the group – Montenegro claimed a match full of ups and downs to edge Albania 3:1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-16, and 25-14) and settle for third place in the group.
To read more news from this competition click on World Championship – European Qualification M.
