Netherlands beat Germany 3-1 (19-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-21) - duration 1:39
20-Jul, start time: 20:00, end time: 21:39 - Attendance: 1,800 Second victory over Germany brings Dutch close to Finals in Brazil
The Netherlands came back from one set down to score a 3-1 victory over Germany on Saturday to move a step closer to the World League Finals in Brazil. Germany held off the Netherlands effectively in the opening set and the two sides traded points until a string of four powerful services by Germany's allowed his side to go one set up. The Dutch then took firmer control of Germany's power services and Dutch stars Schuil and Nummerdor started to make points, while Kooistra and Gortzen's reception improved. Oltshoorn went in hard for a couple of deadly kills, supported by effective blocking by The Netherlands levelled the set score at 1-1. The Dutch continued to dominate in the third set but at 15-11, Liefke got back into the match and with several powerful services, levelled to 15-15 before one slip again adjusted the balance. It was the thrilling spiking of Schuil that helped the Dutch close out the set. With victory in their grasp, The Netherlands held onto the initiative in the final set and a strong block of Gortzen and Paulides finished the match 3-1 victory for the Dutch side. /mh
