With a 10-0 record with seven 3-0 victories and only one 3-2 game, France demonstrates that Intercontinental group 2 in FIVB World League is not the place to stay. We should also remember, that in last year’s edition of FIVB World Championship they finished in an honorable fourth spot.
I think that France can win the pass to the finals but not before they face a strong opposition in the face of Belgium, Bulgaria and the other qualified team group two. If this happens, France will be a tough nut to crack in the finals.
On group three in Slovakia, Montenegro will face China and Egypt will try to defeat the hosts. This match will be very interesting because Egypt are a mystery for analysis.
In group one things are not over yet. Iran has a little chance if they beat twice the Russians in less than five sets and Poland loses the same way against the strong of USA. Last week both teams (Iran and Poland) played in what I would compare like, a “mad house”. Iranian Fans took control of the show on both games making loud noises and chants encouraging their National team and put hard pressure to the visitors of Poland.
The first match was a tense and a great one. Five exciting sets match in favor of the hosts and a lot of review challenges for both sides. The second match was more of the same mixture. Pressure, great rallies and a 3-1 victory for Poland.
Serbia continued on establishing their surprising domain when they beat Italy 3-1 & 3-2 in one of the best matches of this World League so far.
For the last weekend of the tournament Serbia must continue their winning route and Brazil will receive Italy in what should be one of the best matches of the weekend. We must not leave behind also the more important games between Iran-Russia & Poland-USA.
Predictions: Poland will qualify to the finals together with the USA, Serbia, Italy and Brazil, who will be waiting for the winner of group two that to my taste should be…France.
