Netherlands beat Spain 3-1 (25-20, 25-27, 25-23, 25-18) - duration 1:45
15-Aug, start time: 18:00, end time: 19:45 - Attendance: 2,500 Spain loses against The Netherlands to let Russia back in the semifinals
After their tiring but brave five-set victory over Russia on Wednesday, the Spanish players didn't have "legs" enough to face the Netherlands, losing their chance to advance to the semifinals in Belo Horizonte in the 2002 World League. Right from the opening stages, the Spanish players were unable to muster the energy and verve that gave them such a victory the previous day. They looked tired and were visibly flagging, even though they played a valiant match against the young Dutch team. A series of substitutions by Spain failed to change the fate of the match, whle the Dutch, who until now had not taken a single set in the tournament, had nothing to lose and acquitted themselves well. Both teams made service points, mainly when they changed from the power serve to the more subtle shots. Spain made too many errors while their opponents, with the luxury of being able to be calm, went on to score their first victory and leave the tournament with a small glow of glory. /mh
