SERBIA, AUSTRALIA, ALEMANIA Y BULGARIA CLASIFICAN A LONDRES

[Lloyd]

PRESS RELEASE

Serbia and Australia ready for the 2012 London Olympic Games

Australia rolled over China 3-0 to seal the spot as Asia’s representative in the Olympic Games, Serbia was the winner of the tournament.

Tokyo, June 10, 2012 – European champions Serbia finished the FIVB Men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium with a perfect 7-0 record on Sunday. They dropped just one set in the whole tournament – to Korea. The second Olympic spot was still an open affair on Sunday morning, the last day of action, with four Asian teams – Australia, China, Iran and Japan – still in the running for the single ticket to London. Australia rolled over China 3-0 to seal the spot as Asia’s representative. It will be Australia's third time in the Games. Serbia were bronze medalists in Atlanta 1996 and won the gold medal in the Sydney Summer Games in 2000.


Serbia v Venezuela

Having qualified already, Serbia could relax and overcame Venezuela 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-23). Serbia’s top scorer was Uros Kovacevic with 14 points, while Luis Arias led Venezuela with 12 points. Serbia outblocked Venezuela 8-2 and outserved them 5-2. Serbia finished with a perfect 7-0 record, while Venezuela ended 1-6 and earned ended up in seventh place in the tournament.

Serbia coach Igor Kolakovic: “I was satisfied as our young players respected the Venezuela team. We played with good concentration and good shape. It was important to finish with this victory and now we have a new opportunity in the World League.”

China v Australia

Australia were the second team to secure a ticket to the London Olympics with a storming 3-0 win (25-12, 25-20, 25-13) over China. Australia were led by Thomas Edgar with 15 points, while China’s top scorer was Zhang Chen with eight points. Australia outblocked China 10-1 and outserved them 5-3. China finished in fifth position in the tournament. Australia had a lively start with captain Igor Yudin and Adam While getting in some heavy hits, while China’s Liang Chunlong got some good mileage from short sets in the center.

Australia coach Jon Uriarte: “Today, we wanted to disrupt China’s offence and each rotation had specific targets to try and create problems for their offence. We still need to be more fluent and consistent in reception attack. Our block is quite good but not efficient enough, especially if we want to make the next step and challenge the top teams in the world.”

Korea vs Puerto Rico

Korea denied Puerto Rico their last chance to pick up a win on the final day. Korea edged the Puerto Ricans 3-2 (15-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-16, 15-12). Korea ended the tournament with a 3-4 record and sixth position, while Puerto Rico finished eight, having lost all seven matches. Korea were led by Jeon Kwang-In with 18 points while Puerto Rico’s top scorer was Lozada Ezequiel Cruz with 31 points. Puerto Rico outserved Korea 6-2, and the two teams had 11 block points each. Puerto Rico committed 35 errors to Korea’s 23.

Japan v Iran

Iran beat Japan in the final match on the final day of action on Sunday. Iran edged Japan 3-0 (25-22, 35-33, 25-22) to finish with a 5-2 record. Japan dropped to 4-3. Both sides were out of the running for an Olympic berth after Australia clinched the final spot earlier in the day with a win over China. Iran were led by Amir Ghafour with 21 points, while Japan’s top scorer was Kunihiro Shimizu with 24. Iran outserved Japan 3-1 and outblocked them 10-3. Iran committed 18 errors to Japan’s 22. Japan’s Tatsuya Fukusawa was the top scorer in the tournament with a total of 107 points.

Iran coach Julio Velasco: “I want to congratulate my players because it was not easy to play this match. We were sad because we didn’t qualify for the Olympics and Japan were sad for the same reason, so we had to play for pride, for our federation, for our work. I asked the players not to be upset. I told them that playing in this atmosphere in Japan with its history of volleyball, we have to enjoy it and that’s what they did.”

Posiciones finales:



Mejores jugadores:

Mayor Anotador: Fukuzawa Tatsuya (JPN)
Mejor Atacante: Shimizu Kunihiro (JPN)
Mejor Bloqueo: Mohammad Mousavi (IRI)
Mejor Servicio: Edgar Thomas (AUS)
Mejor Recepción: Yeo Oh Hyun (KOR)
Mejor Armado: Saeid Marouf (IRI)
Mejor Defensa: Ren Qi (CHN)
Mejor Libero: Farhad Zarif (IRI)

[Lloyd]

PRESS RELEASE

Outstanding Cubans too strong for India

India's Kapidev K.J. setting against Cuba in the World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Germany

Berlin, Germany, June 10, 2012 – World No. 5 Cuba kept their chance of qualifying for the Olympic Games alive after beating winless India 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-20) on the third and final day of the FIVB Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament held at Max- Schmeling Hall in Berlin, Germany on Sunday.

After succumbing to Germany in five dramatic sets on Saturday, Cuba needed a convincing win to stay in contention depending on the result of the last match of the tournament between undefeated Germany and the Czech Republic.

Cuba’s Rolando Cepeda was the match top scorer with 23 points while India captain Singh Gurinder was the team’s best with 11 points.

The win raised Cuba's win:loss record to 2:1 while India dropped to 0:3.

It was the first match ever between Cuba and India in an FIVB competition.

As expected world vice-champions Cuba quickly took the lead in the first set and didn´t give India a chance to score. It wasn’t until Cuba had reached 11 points that India scored their first point of the match. Cuba left no doubt who was the superior team by taking out the set 25-12, demonstrating great defence and strong spikes with Cepeda especially to the fore scoring 11 points in the first set.

India fared better in the second set, keeping up with Cuba in the early stages and at one stage taking the lead at 6-5. However, Cuba didn’t panic and soon levelled at 9-9 although found it harder to actually shake their Asian opponents loose. It wasn’t until some unforced errors from India gave Cuba the set 25-22.

India succeeded in keeping pace with Cuba once again at the beginning of the third set but this time Cuba wanted a quick finish to the set and the match. Some great serving and spiking saw Cuba open up a 14-10 lead although India fought gamely again, Isbel Mesa finally converted the match point for Cuba with a strong spike down centre court.

[Lloyd]

PRESS RELEASE

“I’m not happy because we probably don´t qualify for the Olympic games –Cuba’s Samuels

The Cuba players made 12 points in block against India.

Cuba coach Orlando Samuels:

“It was hard to play after the defeat against Germany yesterday. I think there has been only one crucial game during this tournament. I’m not happy because we probably don´t get to qualify for the Olympic games by winning against India.”

Cuba captain Wilfredo Leon:

“It was a good and fair game today, I’m satisfied with the victory. Now we have to await the last game between Germany and the Czech Republic.”

India coach G.E. Sridharan:

“I´m happy for my team´s performance today, it was better than the last two days. Cuba is a very high level team and we learned much by playing against them. Best wishes to the team which is going to the Olympic Games.”

India captain Singh Gurinder:

“We’re very pleased with the last two sets. Cuba is a very strong team, I´m happy with our performance today.”

[Lloyd]

MATCH INFO

Pakistan steal a set from France

Pakistan - a real demonstration of Pierre de Coubertin's principle

Sofia, Bulgaria, June 10, 2012 – Disappointing France defeated enthusiastic Pakistan in four sets 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-13) but the Asian team left the FIVB Olympic Qualification Tournament the happier after winning their first set in the debut performance in a top-level FIVB tournament.

Pakistan performed with smooth reception in the first set, Rasool Mohib and captain Ahmed Naseer made some amazing spikes which gave them the advantage.

Pierre Pujol, the French setter and captain, came in as an substitution and helped the team to tied up the set at 14-14. Even with Ngapeth Earvin and Tuia Samuele France didn’t succeed in winning this set because Pakistan distinguished at 25-21.

France returned in the match with better psychological status and experience in the second set. They took a five point advantage at 10-5 but Naseer pulled his team and even won the second technical timeout at 16-14.

Although the Asian men put a lot of effort, French players won the set with some effective blocks by Jose Trefle.

Pakistan tried to stay alive in the third, but France was constantly leading because of less made mistakes, excellent block and great spoikes by Ngapeth, Moreau Marien and Guillaume Samica who returned till the end. When the difference arrived at eight points at 22-14, it seemed it is all decided. Somehow the Asians got back but at the end they did not make it - 25-14 for rivals.

Last set was only to close the match and it was dictated by Philippe Blain's boys. Pakistan just managed to be a good sparring partner for the French triumph 25-13.

[Lloyd]

PRESS RELEASE

Pierre Pujol: Today Pakistan won their first set in the tournament

France Earvin Ngapeth attacking against Pakistan

Sofia, Bulgaria, June 10, 2012 - France defeated Pakistan in four sets match but Pakistan succeeded to win their first set in the tournament 1-3

France coach Philippe Blain: "It is very difficult for me to comment today because we lost yesterday but sometimes you lose some sets and other times you win. I hope Egypt don't win 3-1 over Bulgaria tonight."

France captain, Pierre Pujol: "Pakistan played really well today and I saw all three matches of their team and every time they were so close to win a set and today they did it because they fought really well. For us it is the end and time to go home."

Pakistan coach, Hussain Mazhar: "France is a really good team. It's the first time we are coming to a tournament like this and it is a lot of experience for our team. We played our matches well and did our best."

Pakistan captain, Naseer Ahmed: "France played very good. Our game in the first set was really good but we are young players and didn't prepare for this qualification very well."

[Lloyd]

PRESS RELEASE

Germany cruise past Czech Republic to clinch Olympic Games ticket

Germany celebrates the qualification for the Olympics 2012.

Berlin, Germany, June 10, 2012 – Host Germany booked Olympic Ticket to London 2012 following their third victory in row over Czech Republic. Coming off a stunning five-set comeback win against Cuba on Saturday, Germany followed it up with a tough four-setter 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21) against struggling Czech Republic in last match of the FIVB Men’s African Qualification tournament at Max- Schmeling Hall in Berlin, Germany on Sunday.

Unbeaten in the tournament Germany improved their win- loss record to 3-0, while the Czechs dropped 1-2.

For the Germans, it was their fifth victory in 11 matches in FIVB competitions against 6 for the Czechs. Including the European Champs, Czech Republic is still leading 14-6.

Leading the way for Germany once more was György Grozer with 28 points, while Jan Stokr registered 19 points for Czechs.

The spectators at Max-Schmeling-Halle got to see an embattled game right from the beginning of the first set. Both teams tried hard to take the lead but neither got to break away from the other. Germany stroke with strong blocks and impressive spikes, like in yesterday´s match against Cuba it was especially Georg Grozer imposing with his vigorous spikes. The Czech´s were in no way inferior to the German performance though and showed a solid defense and great attacks as well, which allowed them to get a little advance in the final phase of the set. However, two aces by Grozer enabled Germany to draw level at 20-20 and eventually take the lead, which they didn´t give away anymore.

Germany´s lack in concentration caused by nervousness knowing the importance of the match and steady strong services and smashes by the Czech Republic made for the Czech´s to take an early lead in the second set. Anyway, Germany managed to come back and keep the set tight by equating at 15-15., now succeeding with strong blocks and showing a better defense than in the beginning of the set. Both teams were fighting for any ball, but finally Czech´s Ales Holubec scored the 25-23 for his team.

In the third set the Germans, keeping in mind their big dream to qualify for the Olympics, kept acting at eye level with the Czech´s and got to go ahead. Nevertheless the Czech coped to pull level and set the German defense under pressure again, especially due to Stokr who showed a great performance like the other days. A brilliant series of services by Germany´s Jochen Schöps decided the set win in favor of the host team.

Germany now needed to win only one more set to reach the goal and gained more and more confidence. Pushed by a noisy audience the team proved to be slightly superior in this phase of the match showing a good team performance. The Czech´s still managed to stay in touch with the Germans and kept the score tight again, but in the end they couldn´t bar Germany from converting the first match point and winning the game with 3-1.

[Lloyd]

PRESS RELEASE

It's an honour for us - Björn Andrae

Germany celebrate participating in the Olympics for the second edition in a row

Berlin, Germany, June 10, 2012 - Press conference: Germany v Czech Republic

German coach Vital Heynen: “It was the toughest day of the tournament. We needed the win while the Czech Republic didn't mind about winning or not winning. It wasn’t a very good game. We didn't show our full potential but it was enough. We didn't prove ourselves by playing nice volleyball but by working hard.”

German captain Björn Andrae: “It's a very emotional moment for us and we are very proud of our qualification for the Olympic Games. It was a tough game. The Czechs didn't have any strain while it was about everything for us. They put us under pressure but we fought hard against it and deserved the win. It's an honour for us to particpate in the Olympic Games."

Czech coach Stewart Bernard: “My boys played well and fought hard. We improved our game within the tournament. I'm proud of the team, I know they can have a good future. I'm happy also for Germany. The team worked hard, now it's finally worthwhile.”

Czech captain Ondrej Hudecek: “Congratulations to the German team. It's a great result qualifying for the Olympic Games the second time in a row. I hope the match against us was good preparation For Germany ahead of their strong opponents at the Olympic Games. We played well and only have to improve little details for being able to beat teams like Germany or Cuba.”

[Lloyd]

PRESS RELEASE

Germany book Olympic Games ticket

Germany celebrate qualifying for the Olympic Games for only the fourth time

Berlin, Germany, June 10, 2012 – World No. 13 Germany captured the Olympic ticket to London 2012 on offer at the FIVB Men’s World Qualification Tournament in Berlin following a 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21) victory over world No. 23 Czech Republic at the Max- Schmeling Hall on Sunday to finish top of the four-team tournament.

In the other match on Sunday, Cuba powered past India 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-20), a victory that kept Cuba in the race for the Olympics for a few hours until Germany beat the Czechs.

Unbeaten in three matches, hosts Germany topped the tournament with a win:loss ratio of 3:0 ahead of Cuba who finished second with a 2:1 record, the Czech Republic (1:2) in third and India (0:3 in fourth).


Germany became the 11th men’s team to secure a ticket to London following hosts Great Britain, 2011 FIVB World Cup top three teams winners Russia, runners-up Poland, third placed Brazil, CAVB winners Tunisia, NORCECA winners USA, CEV winners Italy, CSV winners Argentina, AVC winners Australia (through the World Olympic Qualification in Japan), World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan winner Serbia, World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Germany winner Germany. The winner of the World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Bulgaria on Sunday will complete the Olympic qualifying process.

Germany v Czech Republic
Hosts Germany overpowered the Czech Republic 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21) to book an Olympic ticket to London 2012. Coming off a stunning five-set comeback win against Cuba on Saturday, Germany followed it up with a tough four-setter against struggling Czech Republic in the last match of the tournament.

For Germany, it was their fifth victory in 11 matches in FIVB competitions against the Czech Republic. Leading the way for Germany once more was György Grozer with 28 points, while Jan Stokr registered 19 points for the Czechs.

“It was the toughest day of the tournament,” German coach Vital Heynen said. “We needed the win while the Czech Republic didn´t mind about winning or not winning. It wasn’t a very good game. We didn´t show our full potential but it was enough. We didn´t prove ourselves by playing nice volleyball but by working hard.”

Cuba v India
World No. 5 Cuba rebounded from a second-day loss to Germany with a straight-sets (25-12, 25-22, 25-20) win over India, keeping their Olympic Games qualifying chances alive for a few hours as they awaited the result of the following match between Germany and the Czech Republic before Germany deprived them of their dreams.

Cuba’s Rolando Cepeda led all scorers with 23 points while captain Singh Gurinder was the best for India with 11 points. It was the first match ever between Cuba and India.

“I’m not happy because we probably won´t qualify for the Olympic Games,” Cuba coach Orlando Samuels said. “It was hard to play after the defeat against Germany yesterday. I think there has been only one crucial game during this tournament.”

India coach G.E. Sridharan was happy with his team’s improving performance from one match to another. “I’m happy for my team´s performance today, it was better than the last two days. Cuba is a very high level team and we learned much by playing against them. Best wishes to the team which is going to the Olympic Games.”

Posiciones finales:




Mejores jugadores:

Mayor Anotador: Stokr Jan (CZE)
Mejor Atacante: Linz Karel (CZE)
Mejor Bloqueo: Quintana Guerra Danger Jorber (CUB)
Mejor Servicio: Grozer György (GER)
Mejor Recepción: Steuerwald Markus (GER)
Mejor Armado: K.J. Kapildev (IND)
Mejor Defensa: Kopacek Vaclav (CZE)
Mejor Libero: Kopacek Vaclav (CZE)

[Lloyd]

MATCH INFO

Bulgaria at the Olympic Games with three victories in Sofia

Balkan Lions of Bulgaria were the last volleyball team to qualify for the Olympics

Sofia, Bulgaria – June 10, 2012 – Bulgaria fulfilled their dream to play at the London 2012 Olympic Games, making the final step – victory over Egypt. 10,000 people in Armeec Arena Sofia cheered the Balkan Lions to defeat Pharaos 3-1 (25-16, 25-18, 20-25, 25-12). President of the State Rosen Plevneliev, vice Prime Minister Simeon Dyankov, Ambassadors and Members of the Parliament whitness so longed victory of Bulgaria.

With no extra efforts, Bulgarians overruled Egypt hopes for something more in this FIVB Olympic Qualification Tournament. Hero of previous day Todor Aleksiev, omnipresent Matey Kaziyski and proving his qualities Tsvetan Sokolov were the killers of Pharaos' enthusiasm. Hosts had a flying start in the first set and 8 point advantage at the first technical timeout 16-8. This was enough to close the set at 25-16.

Egypt tried to give some hard time for rivals in the second, but their power was enough only for equalizer at 9-9. Some nice spikes by Sokolov overruled the effort of setter Abdalla to keep his team's play steady. At the end Kaziyski scored some killer serves and that brought Bulgaria with two set lead.

The African team took the lead for the first time in the match in the third set 1-5 mainly because of opponent errors and lack of concentration. Advantage was taken by Sherif Elshemerly's boys and never left until the end of the set. Smooth Abdalla's moves provided best ball for Egypt's spikers to smash Bulgaria's resistance – 25-20.

Having no time to lose before celebrating qualification to London, Balkan Lions started fast and furious the last one. Even without the main setter Zhekov and Aleksiev resting, hosts marched confidently to the victory. The same story of the first two sets came on the court – 16-8 at the second technical timeout and Bulgarians were unstoppable. 25-12 was the least Egyptians got for farewell.

The end of the campaign – two qualification tournaments in Arena Armeec in 40 days, came at 9-1 victories for Bulgaria and the 8th Olympic visa in the history of country's Men's Volleyball.

[Lloyd]

MATCH INFO

Vladimir Nikolov: We won the match and sealed our visas for the Olympic Games

Bulgaria celebrate their ticket to ride

Sofia, Bulgaria, June 10, 2012 – Bulgaria overwhelmed Egypt and won a ticket for the Olympic Games in London, 2012.

Bulgaria coach, Radostin Stoytchev: "A dream comes true and a few people know that this victory was really suffered. I want to thank my assistan coach Camillo Placì and to say that our team deserved this victory. Thank you all, the players, the headquarters and last but not least the journalists but I am afraid I will forget someone so I apologize. I don't want to talk about the technical side of the match because the emotional one was much bigger."

Bulgaria captain, Vladimir Nikolov: "After we managed to defeat France today we won the match against Egypt and sealed our visas for the Olympic Games in London and today we took them from the Egypt Embassy. We knew the importance of the match, approached rationally and won."

Egypt coach, Elshemerly Sherif: "Bulgaria has a great team and I hope they will prepare well for the Olympics and wish them good luck. Today we didn't play good but I would like to thank my players. I hope next time we will play better and will rebuilt our team and get back to the position we deserve."

Egypt captain, Ashraf Abouelhassan: "We knew that Bulgaria is a very strong team and we didn't play good today but we will try to prepare better next time."