Turkey – Spain
Spain dominated the first set and had twice the amount of points scored by Turkey by the first technical time-out (8:4). From there Spain worked out a comfortable lead (21:12) and though the Turkish team fought bravely back and got close (22:24), they could not deny Spain wining the first set 25-22.
Spain also had the upper hand in the second set leading 8:5 by the first technical time-out. Spain’s 196 cm tall opposite Andres J. Villena who had scored 28 and 29 points in the two first matches of the tournament continued at a similar standard with 27 today. Spain was in total control throughout the second set and their seven point lead (16:9) by the second technical time-out was converted into a clear 25-13 set win.
Turkey found their game again in the third set. Though the Spanish team led 8:6 by the first technical time-out, Turkey took a two-point lead (13:11) and then Spanish head coach Ricardo Maldonado took a time-out. The Turks were leading by one point (16:15) by the second technical time-out. The close fight continued till the end of the set, ending with a 25-22 for Turkey.
The fourth set started as even as the third set had ended. The Turkish team seemed to have bit more to give and when they went in front at 5:4 they did not give their lead away anymore winning the well played and intense fourth set 25-20.
It had to come to a tie break with the two strong teams. Here Spain was in front 8:7 by the side change. A too long Spanish serve gave Turkey a 13:12 lead. Spain shower tremendous morale taking the next three points, the set 15-13 and the match 3-2.
Spanish head coach Ricardo Maldonado: “It was two different games. In the first and second set we dominated completely and in the third and fourth set Turkey was in control. We made a lot of service mistakes in these sets. In the tie-break it is the small differences that win the game. Our block is really good and helped us win the tie-break”.
Opposite Andres J. Villena: “We played good in the first two sets where our reception and serves were good and we played comfortable. From the beginning of the third set we started making stupid mistakes in our serves and at the same time Turkey started serving really strong and making it very difficult for us. In the tie-break we improved our reception. I am really happy with the win” he said.
