USA players celebrate victory over Serbia in Belgrade
Title holders USA had to dig deep, but ultimately managed to take the tie-break after home side Serbia had forced the match into a decider by winning the fourth set.
Both teams were focused from the beginning of the match and the players battled hard for each point. The USA went to the first technical time-out leading 8-7, but after the break Kimberly Hill’s serving disturbed Serbbia’s reception and the hosts were quickly down 12-7.
Coach Zoran Terzić tried to win back momentum with a couple of time-outs. Serbia somewhat consolidated their game, but the deficit at the second technical break had increased and the loss of the first set was inevitable, Kelly Murphy finishing off the set with a powerful spike for 25-14.
Blocking was the strongest U.S. weapon at the start of the second set. The Americans stormed to an early 4-0 lead, and thru the first technical time-out Serbia couldn’t find the way around the U.S. defense on the net (4-8). When the USA reached a one point deficit (20-21), coach Terzić had to react with a time-out of his own. In an exciting finish, Serbia managed to preserve the advantage and level the match (25-22).
In the beginning of the third set the USA was back in front, going up 8-6 thru the first technical break. Serbia soon tied the score (8-8), but couldn’t hold on to it as the USA regained the momentum and got back in front (13-10). However, after the break Serbia mentally went out of the game due to couple of, by their opinion, questionable decisions of the first referee, and yellow and red card they earned as a consequence, which further widened the gap (15-19). The Americans routinely wrapped up the set at 25-17 to take a 2:1 overall lead.
The initial stage of the fourth set was marked with Jovana Brakočević’s power serves, including an ace, to take Serbia in front 5-2. However, the home side was determined not to let this one escape as they quickly brought this set to an end at 25-23, forcing a tie-breaker.
When the U.S. took an early 4-2 lead in the fifth set, coach Terzić had to ask for a time-out. After that, Serbia struggled with serves, but managed to stay close and reach the tie right before changing sides (7-7). The home side continued well and went in front 9-8, when coach Kiraly called for a time-out. Then the U.S. turned the score over in their favor (10-9). Serbia tied, but then lost three points in a row (10-13), which was decisive, as they could not provide one more miracle and get back from such a huge deficit. In the end, a victory for the USA, who took the first place in Pool F with all three wins.
To read more articles from this competition click on World Grand Prix 2013.
For more photos see the Gallery below.
