Czech Republic – team
The Czechs wanted to bid farewell to their fans with a positive result and hence they played their best and rapidly cruised to a convincing 25-15 in their match with Croatia.
The guests went up 8:7 in set 2 but with David Konecny on fire, the Czechs fought back and moved to the front (19:16) with the last rally being finalized by Karel Linz for the provisional 2:0 (25-21).
Croatia did not play with the regular starting six in set 3 but this apparently helped as the score remained close up to 13 all. Two aces by Konecny contributed a Czech lead by the second technical time-out and the hosts did not slow down, with the first match ball being cashed by giant Jan Stokr (25-19).
“We are very happy with the attendance registered today and I think we paid back with some good Volleyball, the best advertising for the sport here in Ostrava” said home captain Ondrej Hudecek.
“This tournament was excellently organized and two injuries did not allow us to be competitive in the matches played here in the Czech Republic” said Croatian star Igor Omrcen. “I hope we can make it to the final round of the European Championship next May”.
