Czech
“We are still not there where the Czech Republic currently stands but we will reach this level. We will use the next days to prepare for the second tournament in Ostrava” said Austria’s coach Michael Warm. “My guys played well and did a good job. We have to get ready for the second tournament, but first we will rest and relax a bit” commented Stewart Bernard, the mentor of the Czech Republic.
In the other match of the day Croatia edged the Former Y.R. of Macedonia also in straight sets (25-22, 25-19, and 28-26) to be ranked second in the group. After a close first set, the players from Macedonia lacked consistency in set 2 thereby paving the way with gold for Croatia that could pocket their second win in the tournament in three sets paced by superstar Igor Omrcen with 15 points. “I think today we showed our best Volleyball and played a very stable game” said head coach Igor Simuncic. “We were very motivated and played well in all sets up the 20-point line but we made too many mistakes in reception” commented FYROM captain Nikola Gjorgiev.
