Sumptuous feast as week two throws up top of the
table clashes in all three pools
 Lausanne,
Switzerland, June 1, 2005 – The 2005 World
League may only be one week old but already the
prospect of some thrilling top of the table
encounters is in store. Round two this weekend
promises to deliver exhilarating high class
Volleyball as all three pools feature crucial
match ups with every team looking to gain the
early ascendancy in their quest for a World
League final round spot.
Remembering that the winner of each pool
following the six weekends of Intercontinental
Round action will qualify for the final round to
join the hosts Serbia and Montenegro (if Serbia
and Montenegro win Pool C, the next best team
will qualify), this weekend is also crunch time
for teams who have yet to win a match.
Pic: Despite two defeats last weekend to
Greece, Serbia & Montenegro fans will be happy
this week because their second match against
Argentina on Sunday is television's "match of
the week"
In Pool A, defending champions Brazil travel to
Portugal with both sides coming off back-to-back
victories against Venezuela and Japan
respectively in week one. The charismatic
Brazilians were less than convincing last
weekend after conceding a surprising three sets
against a side who are making their return to
the top flight after a year’s absence. Meanwhile,
Portugal’s new coach Orlando Samuels was pleased
to collect two opening victories but realizes
the size of the obstacle which is looming on the
horizon this weekend. For Venezuela, two matches
against Japan this weekend in Caracas are a
golden chance to claim their first victory of
the tournament.
Pool C again throws together two sides coming
off double victories. Two fascinating matches in
Lodz sees two injury hit sides - Poland and
Greece - go head to head in what should be an
enthralling encounter. Poland were in
devastating form at home last weekend beating
Argentina 3-1 twice (25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23)
and (19-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-22) and they’ll
need to repeat that performance against a Greek
side who only conceded one set in beating last
year’s bronze medalists Serbia and Montenegro.
The other match up in Pool C feature’s this
weekend’s “match of the week”. Argentina and
Serbia & Montenegro face off in Buenos Aires and
the second match on Sunday at 9 p.m. GMT (6 p.m.
local time) is available for television networks
to broadcast worldwide.
Pool B, meanwhile, is more delicately poised.
Cuba is unbeaten with two wins over Bulgaria but
they must travel to Italy to face last year’s
runner’s up. Italy, who are placed second in the
group on points ratio, shared their matches with
France last weekend but will be hoping for an
improved result in week two. France, who are
level with Italy have an equaly interesting
clash with last year’s finalists Bulgaria, who
are aiming to take revenge for last week’s
disappointing start.
First matches this week see France play Bulgaria
in Nantes and Poland host Greece in Lodz, both
matches starting at 19:00 (local time) on
Friday. |
Competition Formula