How to lose a set leading already 24-20? Russia can give lessons of this ‘art’ because had 5 match balls (leading 2-0) in the Saturday’s match against Italy to finally give up and result to tie-break but fortunately for them succeeded. Germany did not have such a problem overcoming Cuba in three straight sets. Cuba remains the worst team in WL this season with on points and only 2 single sets won.

 

Russia – Italy 3 – 2 (25-23, 25-23, 26-28, 23-25,15-12)

Russia: Makarov 2, Sivozhelez 7, Apalikov 9, Pavlov 26, Spiridonov 16, Ashchev 14, Verbov (L) and Zhilin
Italy: Travica 5, Parodi 15, Beretta 9, Zaytsev 25, Savani 4, Birarelli 13, Giovi (L) and Vettori 8, Fedrizzi 7, Piano, Rossini (L)

Russia started well, with strong serves from Nikolay Pavlov, and the hosts went 8-3 ahead at the first technical timeout. The visiting team fought back to level the score 11-11, but Russia had the slight edge, and some good services and attacks brought the hosts a 25-23 set win.

Spectacular blocking and efficient attack allowed Russia to stay ahead in the second set. The nerves of the visiting team began to show, and Russia stretched the margin to 17-11. Italy coach Mauro Berruto called for a timeout, but it didn’t help much: Russia closed the set out 25-23 to lead 2-0.

The hosts gained control of the third set, too, and with Russia leading 16-11, the contest seemed almost over. But Italy fought back furiously, showing real spirit as they saved seven match points. They tied the score 24-24, and finally clinched the set 26-28.

Italy had rediscovered their rhythm, and their well-balanced offence gave them a narrow two-point advantage early on. Russia levelled at 12-12, but with the help of Dragan Travica powerful services the visiting team took the set 23-25 to force a decider.

Russia gave the final set everything, leading 10-9 and 13-10, before finally shutting out the set 15-12. Italy will be disappointed, but their win over Russia on Friday, combined with a point from this 3-2 loss, means captain Cristian Savani‘s team will probably be satisfied with their weekend’s work.   

Nikolay Pavlov was the match’s top scorer with 26 points for the home side. Italy’s Ivan Zaytsev scored 25.

 

Germany – Cuba 3 – 0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-16)

Germany: Kampa 3, Kaliberda 13, Hohne 7, Schops 7, Collin 10, Bohme 10, M. Steurewald (L) and Fromm, Tille, P. Steurewald
Cuba: Estrada 4, Cepeda 10, Mesa 6, Bisset 9, Fundora 6, Quintana 5, Guitierrez (L) and Leyva, Macias, Alfonso  

In the first set of Saturday’s match, Germany had a good start and took an 5-1 advantage within the first minutes, as Germany’s Philipp Collin put pressure on the Cuban players with his strong serve. The German team took their leadership through the whole set, winning

The Cuban team took their first advantage of the second set, but they couldn’t keep their momentum. Germany came back with strong serves, giving the Cuban team problems. Germany attacked strongly through the middle leaving the Cuban team no chance. Marcus Böhme finished the set 25-19.

The third set followed suit, showcasing the superiority of the German team. The German’s attack and reception was too constant for the Cubans, who couldn’t get themselves in the game.

After two defeats during the opening weekend of the World League in Italy (0-3, 2-3), Germany’s win now puts them near Serbia, their opponent next week. The Cuban team is still struggling to find a win, after losing their first five games.
Germany and Cuba meet again Sunday at Bremen Area for the last match of week four’s World League.