Hoffman Estates, Illinois, June 17, 2011 – Poland coach Andrea Anastasi, delighted with his team’s 25-22, 25-19, 25-20 victory over the United States on Friday at the Sears Centre Arena, said his team would not be making any adjustments between its Friday and Saturday matches.
“I do not want to change anything,” Anastasi joked at the post-match press conference.
U.S. coach Alan Knipe was not as sure after his team’s uninspired performance on Friday.
The United States (4-3) is now tied with Poland (4-3) for second place in Group A, though Poland has the edge thanks to a superior points ratio. The USA needs to finish ahead of Poland in the group to have any hope of qualifying for the Final Round.
“I believe in my guys and I believe in their ability to play this game,” Knipe said. “I don’t believe you will see a lot of wholesale changes.”
Another large crowd is expected at the Sears Centre Arena for Saturday’s match and the majority will most likely be rooting for Poland. However Knipe tried to be optimistic.
“Maybe tomorrow it will be 50-50,” he said.