Turkey
The teams were all even in the beginning of the first set. Turkey led 8:7 at the first technical time-out. From here the Turkish team increased their lead to 16:9 by the second. The Turks seemed much focused with good reception, strong attacks and solid blocks. Throughout the set they delivered a great performance and won it 25-20.
It was like Turkey was playing at home ground with a lot of Turkish supporters on the tribune in Skyline Arena giving great support to their team. The waterproof blocks from the tough Turks continued in the second set and gave them an 8:5 lead by the first technical time-out and 16:12 by the second. Turkey’s opposite Metin Toy put the Greek’s finger strength to the test many times during the set and the match making 11 points. Turkey won the second set 25-18.
Greece was much stronger in the third set leading 8:6 at the first technical time-out and 16:13 by the second. Behind 14:18 Turkey’s head coach Ali Kazim Hidayetoglu called a time-out trying to turn the set over in Turkey’s favor. It did not work as planned and behind 14:20 Ali Kazim Hidayetoglu called another break. No way back in this set for Turkey, Greece won it 25-18.
The intensity rose in the fourth set. Turkey took the lead 8:4 by the first technical time-out with some strong attacks. The Turkish constellation of two or more of their two meter guys Toy, Sahin, Günes, Gökgöz and Senol in the block made Greece have a hard time finding a way through and Turkey led 16:11 by the second technical time-out. Though the set got close (24:22) Turkey kept cool and won the fourth set 25-22 and the match 3-1.
With three points Turkey goes past Bulgaria in the table and claims the second and last spot for the semifinals 1-4.
Turkey’s head coach Ali Kazim Hidayetoglu was a happy and relieved man after the match: “This is our first time in a semi-final ever. Now I hope that we can win a medal. Everything is good at this moment. The team showed good discipline and they stuck to our perfect game plan. Greece has shown high level of Volleyball throughout the tournament, but today we were in good control”.
Turkey’s opposite Metin Toy was almost speechless after the victory: “I am so happy. I have nothing to say, I am just so happy”.
