Poland suffer first defeat as Cuba &
Portugal continue great form
 June
11, 2005 – An incredible 35 point haul
from Dejan Bojovic led Serbia and
Montenegro to a sensational 3-2 (30-28,
16-25, 25-23, 22-25, 21-19) win over
previously unbeaten Poland on Saturday
in the latest action of round three of
the 2005 World League Intercontinental
Round. In other matches on Saturday both
Portugal and Cuba maintained their
scorching form with straight set
victories over Venezuela (25-18, 25-21,
25-14) and France (26-24, 25-23, 25-20)
respectively.
Bojovic, 22, led three Serbia and
Montenegro players into double figures
as the young and promising “Blue” team
claimed their first home victory and
only their second of the tournament
after a long and tiring match.
Pic: Venezuela try to stop the block
from Portugal's Andre Lopes
Serbia and Montenegro, who automatically
qualify for the final round as hosts,
moved into clear third spot in Pool C
with the victory while Poland maintained
top spot despite suffering their first
defeat.
In Pool A, Portugal maintained first
place after beating Venezuela in
comfortable fashion in what Venezuela
coach Eliseo Ramos said was his side’s
worst match. Following last week’s
momentous victory against Brazil,
Portugal are now going from strength to
strength but following Sunday’s next
match against Venezuela, the world
number 18 must start preparing to play
the remaining three rounds away from
home.
"We are playing better every week,”
Portugal coach Orlando Samuels said.
“Our team is more mature with better
tactics and technical skills. Our
victory was fair and if we win tomorrow,
we will have more confidence for the
matches away from home."
Finally, Cuba continued their amazing
form in Pool B with an incredible win
over France to open a slight gap at the
head of the table.
It all adds up to an exciting final day
of round three on Sunday. |
Competition Formula