Saturday, 25 May 2013
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 Press Release
Brazil hot favourites as FIVB Volleyball World League starts Friday

Brazil are on the hunt for a record 10th title in this year's edition of the FIVB Volleyball World League
Lausanne, Switzerland, May 25, 2011 – Nine-time winners and defending champions Brazil will start the 22nd edition of the FIVB Volleyball World League, which begins on Friday, as hot favourites as 16 teams around the world prepare to face-off in the world’s premier annual volleyball competition, set to span over seven weeks and concluding with the Final Round in Gdansk-Sopot, Poland from July 6 to 10.

Teams have been divided into four pools and will face each other four times – twice at home and twice away – in an effort to clinch top spot in the group.

Poland will host the Final Round for the third time after the 2001 and 2007 editions in Katowice. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the finals unless Poland fail to finish in the top two, in which case the three best second-placed sides will go through. It is the first time the Final Round will include eight teams since 2003 in Madrid.

Pool A
In what is likely to be one of the highlights of the weekend, defending champions and nine-time winners of the competition world No.1 Brazil travel to San Juan to take on newcomers world No.16 Puerto Rico in a David and Goliath battle. This will be Puerto Rico’s first World League and the side who finished 13th at last year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Italy are under no illusions that simply staying in the tournament for next year will be a big challenge.

“The expectations are to stay in the World League, and for that we need to win games,” assistant coach Argentinean Ramon Hernandez said. “The challenge is very big, but this group has always distinguished itself by accepting all the challenges and moving forward.”

Brazil meanwhile will be looking to capture a record tenth title this year and will be the favourites after a stirring victory in last year’s Men’s World Championship. But coach Bernardinho is under no illusions that victory is a sure thing after a gruelling domestic season for most of his players, and he has said that he will need to be careful in his team selection.

“The World League is long and wearing, so we will need to think before choosing the players for the first matches,” he said.

The two teams have met just once before during FIVB competition with Brazil picking up a straight sets win at the 2007 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup in Japan.

Pool A’s other opening match will see Olympic champions USA travel to European champions Poland in what is likely to be a crucial match in judging where both teams stand as the tournament begins. Both teams failed to reach last year’s Final Round and both had disappointing outings in the World Championship by their standards – something which saw previous Poland coach Daniel Castellani lose his job – so they will want to improve a year ahead of the Olympics. But USA coach Alan Knipe is confident that if his team are methodical in their play they will move onto the next stage.

“Our goal this year is to improve with every set and every match on every weekend,” he said. “If we do that, we can make it to the Final Round.”

The teams could barely be split in their 18 previous FIVB matches against each other with Poland having the edge with 10 wins. However it was the US who came out on top in their last clash during the 2008 World League Final Round in Rio de Janeiro as they picked up a 3-2 win en route to clinching the gold, their last gold in any FIVB tournament.

Pool B
Pool B’s opening fixture will see last year’s runners up world No.2 Russia welcome returning world No.14 Japan in Ufa. Japan originally didn’t qualify for this year’s edition but following the withdrawal of the Netherlands the side were welcomed back for the first time since 2009 when they finished 15th. They will be hoping to fare better this time around but the odds will be stacked against them as the side will play all their matches away from home in light of the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

After a promising 2010 World League campaign Russia finished fifth at the Men’s World Championship and will be keen to get their London 2012 Olympic preparations back on track in this year’s edition of the tournament. Last year’s top scorer Maxim Mikhaylov is included in the squad once again this year as Russia look to add a second World League title to their tally of five silver and seven bronze medals.

The two teams have squared up on a phenomenal 57 occasions with the home side picking up 47 wins in total, but it was Japan who came out on top last time they met during the 2009 Intercontinental Round with a 3-1 win away from home.

World No.9 Germany have had a tough few weeks in the run up to the start of their World League against Bulgaria. Plagued by injuries to captain Bjorn Andrae as well as Georg Grozer and Lukas Bauer, Argentinean coach Raul Lozano is having to rely on a number of new youngsters drafted into the squad. Nevertheless, he is confident his side can add to their impressive 2010 campaign and push for a place in the Final Round.

“The most important thing for us will be to act well structured and to play solid,” he said. “We will not win, because a player has a good day, but because the whole team has a good day.”

Germany will travel to world No.7 Bulgaria for their first two matches this weekend, and the hosts, who narrowly missed out on a Final Round place last year, will be desperate to show further signs of improvement under new coach Radostin Stoychev. Despite never having coached a national side before, Stoychev has been a critical component to Italian club Trentino BetClic’s success over the past few years, highlighted by back-to-back victories at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championships. Star player Matey Kazisky and captain Vladimir Nikolov are expected to be central to any success the side has.

Bulgaria and Germany have clashed on 19 occasions with Bulgaria winning 13 of the encounters including the last one at the 2010 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 3-0.

Pool C
World No.8 Argentina will face world No.3 Serbia in Rosario in Pool C’s opening two matches, and fans will be hoping to call upon the luck of the 2000 team that faced Serbia – then under the Yugoslavia banner – in the same city. On that occasion Argentina fought back from two sets down to record an astonishing 3-2 win over the soon-to-be Olympic champions and record one of the country’s greatest victories in the tournament.

But it is Serbia who have the upper hand overall with 13 wins to the hosts four, including a straight sets victory over the side at home in Cordoba during last year’s Final Round, so the 2010 bronze medalists will feel confident.

"Much was said about the shift of generations and for that reason the medal in Cordoba last year has a special glow,” Serbia captain Bojan Janic said on Monday. “It was a great experience for us, which will certainly mean a lot this year.”

And Argentina coach Javier Weber is relishing the chance to see his young team perform against top opponents such as this weekend’s visitors.

“Even though our main goal is Olympic qualification, the FIVB World League is a great challenge each season,” Weber said. “To play against Serbia on our debut, when we are searching for our best game is very important and can tell us our real level at international standard.”

Pool C’s other match will see Finland take on the returning Portugal, who last played in the tournament in 2006, finishing 13th.

World No.28 Finland recorded their worst finish during last year’s edition as they finished 13th so will be hoping that they can pick up a couple of wins to reach this year’s Final Round, a feat the country have never achieved.

But world No.36 Portugal have ambitions of their own, no less a spot in finals of the competition as highlighted by Rui Santos ahead of a final preparation match against Spain this past weekend.

"We left the World League for reasons that are beyond us, but we deserve to be among the best in the World League and playing the best,” he said. “It is a reward for our work and a dream come true again, 2010 was a memorable year for the team because we won the European League. We are doing an excellent job and I think the group is even stronger this year. Our goal is to reach the Final Round of the World League.”

Pool D
The opening match in Pool D this year is a repeat of last year’s opening Pool B fixture as world No.12 France take on rivals world No.6 Italy in Lyon. Italy recorded three wins over France in the last tournament to book a Final Round spot while France had to leave the party early after a disappointing campaign. Italy added to their momentum during last year’s Men’s World Championship in front of their home fans as they finished fourth, their best ranking since their 1998 gold medal victory so will come into the World League high on confidence.

France however finished 11th at the same tournament and will be eager to prove that they still belong in the top echelons of the sport and victory over the Azzuri will be a step in the right direction.

There have been 52 meetings between the two sides with Italy winning 31, the last coming during last year’s campaign.

The 2010 Men’s World Championship silver medalists Cuba take on Korea in Pool D’s other fixture as the Caribbean side look to improve on their fourth place finish last year.

It has been a time of transition for world No.4 Cuba as the team sees the young but talismanic Wilfredo Leon step into the captaincy role after Robertlandy Simon chose to sit out the campaign to rest. Setter Raydel Hierrezuelo has also been excluded from the squad due to injury while outside hitter Yoandy Leal is also omitted after not playing in the Cuban National League this year.

The side have a much more challenging campaign this time around as they face at least six weeks on the road due to the ongoing refurbishment of Palacio de los Deportes at Ciudad Deportiva in Havana.

Meanwhile world No.23 Korea will want to put the 2010 World League behind them after finishing 16th. The side had to compete in a playoff to keep their place in the tournament but successfully came through and will be keen to avoid the same result this time around.

The 2011 FIVB Volleyball World League will take place from May 27 to July 1 with the Final Round being held in Gdansk-Sopot, Poland from July 6 to 10.

Fixtures: Week 1
    Pool    Date    GMT
Time    Teams    City    Country
    B    27/05    12:00    RUS-JPN    Ufa    Russia
    A    27/05    18:30    POL-USA    Lodz    Poland
    D    27/05    18:30    FRA-ITA    Lyon    France
    A    28/05    00:30    PUR-BRA    San Juan    Puerto Rico
    D    28/05    05:00    KOR-CUB    Suwon    Korea
    B    28/05    12:00    RUS-JPN    Ufa    Russia
    A    28/05    15:00    POL-USA    Lodz    Poland
    C    28/05    15:00    POR-FIN    Povoa de Varzim    Portugal
    B    28/05    16:00    BUL-GER    Varna    Bulgaria
    C    28/05    21:00    ARG-SRB    Rosario-Santa Fe    Argentina
    A    29/05    00:30    PUR-BRA    San Juan    Puerto Rico
    D    29/05    05:00    KOR-CUB    Suwon    Korea
    C    29/05    15:00    POR-FIN    Povoa de Varzim    Portugal
    D    29/05    15:30    FRA-ITA    Chambery    France
    B    29/05    16:00    BUL-GER    Varna    Bulgaria
    C    29/05    21:00    ARG-SRB    Rosario-Santa Fe    Argentina

  
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3/06/2011 German captain Robert Kromm: "We hope the result tomorrow will be the opposite"
3/06/2011 Russia claim third straight victory at home
3/06/2011 Italy and Cuba ready for the second duel in Andria
3/06/2011 Soto confident of Puerto Rico's chances against USA
2/06/2011 Italian victory a "beautiful success" says Berruto
2/06/2011 Italy claim third successive straight sets World League win with victory over Cuba
2/06/2011 Final Round match schedule released
2/06/2011 NORCECA teams do battle in Pool A of World League
2/06/2011 Injuries trouble Bulgaria ahead of Japan clash
1/06/2011 Crucial clash in Suwon between Korea and France
1/06/2011 Andrae: Germany can beat Russia this weekend
1/06/2011 Italy looking for first home victors in World League
1/06/2011 Bernardinho expects tough battle at home and Murilo returns
1/06/2011 More surprises expected in second weekend of World League
1/06/2011 Russia expect resurgent Germany
1/06/2011 Serbia and Finland to feature in FIVB Match of the Week
1/06/2011 Portugal and Argentina with similar expectations
30/05/2011 Argentina and Bulgaria fight back with victories
30/05/2011 The difference was our serving: Quiroga
30/05/2011 Argentina seal first FIVB World League victory over Serbia
29/05/2011 Juan Diaz pleased with Portugal’s performance
29/05/2011 Portugal clinch second victory over Finland
29/05/2011 Kromm: "We had our ups and downs"
29/05/2011 France captain calls for more focus
29/05/2011 Bulgaria seal first World League victory
29/05/2011 Italy claim second World League win over France
29/05/2011 Cuba avenge loss to Korea
29/05/2011 The goddess of fortune smiled on us: Samuels
29/05/2011 Brazil's second win put down to experience
29/05/2011 Brazil edge resilient Puerto Rico in Pool A
29/05/2011 Argentina looking for first victory at home
29/05/2011 Puerto Rican “Picky” Soto pondering about his future
29/05/2011 Kolakovic: "It is very hard to play against a team like Argentina"
29/05/2011 Serbia stun Argentina with brilliant straight sets win
28/05/2011 Ready for round 2 of Portugal-Finland
28/05/2011 An important victory for Portugal
28/05/2011 Korea and Portugal clinch historic wins as opening weekend of World League continues
28/05/2011 Stoychev: Germany punished our weakness
28/05/2011 Portugal claim win on return to World League
28/05/2011 Germany seal huge win over Bulgaria
28/05/2011 USA gain revenge over Poland
28/05/2011 Korea look for winning streak against Cuba
28/05/2011 Vladimir Alekno: “We will analyse our mistakes and move on”
28/05/2011 Russia pick up second win over Japan
28/05/2011 Bernardinho can see a better Bruno in the future
28/05/2011 Press conference after France - Italy in Lyon
28/05/2011 We will perform better, says Leon
28/05/2011 Korea stun Cuba with brilliant straight sets win
28/05/2011 Ueta wants improvement from Japan
28/05/2011 Brazil followed their game plan against Puerto Rico
28/05/2011 Brazil crushes Puerto Rico in Pool A
28/05/2011 USA look to rebound after poor performance in opening match
27/05/2011 Poland, Italy and Russia clinch early victories in World League
27/05/2011 "This is certainly not how we wanted to start this tournament," said USA captain William Priddy.
27/05/2011 Rejuvenated Poland sees off USA
27/05/2011 Italy dominate France in three sets
27/05/2011 Bulgaria look torwards new hope Stoychev
27/05/2011 Russia expects Japan to bounce back
27/05/2011 Russia seal opening win over Japan
27/05/2011 World League media guide - a key resource tool for all
27/05/2011 Poland and USA highlight Match of the Week
27/05/2011 Kromm positive ahead of first World League clash
27/05/2011 Bernardinho says Pool A is the toughest one
26/05/2011 Gruszka: "Poland not taking World League lightly"
26/05/2011 Cardona admires the talent of Brazil, Serbia and USA
26/05/2011 Finland: a test for Portugal’s return
26/05/2011 Blain urges youngsters to shine
26/05/2011 USA prepare for Polish battle
25/05/2011 Brazil hot favourites as FIVB Volleyball World League starts Friday
25/05/2011 Russia set to begin home matches
25/05/2011 Korea looks for first win over Cuba in 2011 FIVB World League
25/05/2011 France await Italy arrival
24/05/2011 Argentina ready to measure themselves against Serbia
24/05/2011 Rivera returns to rally Puerto Rico
23/05/2011 Serbia captain praises Grbic
23/05/2011 Lozano eyes World League Final Round spot
20/05/2011 Argentina men's team presented to media
20/05/2011 Puerto Rico president backs team to perform
20/05/2011 FIVB announces Match of the Week schedule for World League
19/05/2011 Portugal to face Spain in final test before World League
19/05/2011 Wilfredo Leon new captain of Cuba
18/05/2011 German captain Andrae out of World League
18/05/2011 World League points system reminder
18/05/2011 Puerto Rico aiming to keep place in World League says Hernandez
17/05/2011 Bulgaria and Serbia split honours in World League preparation matches
17/05/2011 Argentina can reach Final Round, says Weber
16/05/2011 Murilo ready for tough World League battle
13/05/2011 World League stars feature in Italian league final
13/05/2011 Bernardinho wary of tough World League pool
12/05/2011 Friedrichshafen to host Germany and Japan World League matches
12/05/2011 Poland gather pace ahead of World League
11/05/2011 Lozano looks to World League for development
5/05/2011 World League final squads announced
28/04/2011 Cities confirmed for Japan's World League matches
27/04/2011 Germany dealt blow with Grozer injury
15/04/2011 Argentina begin training for World League
12/04/2011 Japan to play World League away from home
12/04/2011 Bulgaria suffer Salparov injury blow
11/04/2011 Argentine focus switches to Weber's hopefuls
7/04/2011 World League a key test, says USA's Knipe
7/04/2011 Gustavo surprised by Brazil squad inclusion
5/04/2011 Antiga closes book on international career
4/04/2011 Seven new faces in Germany's World League squad
4/04/2011 World League squads officially announced
2/04/2011 Puerto Rico name preliminary World League roster
22/03/2011 Bulgaria may lose Nikolov for World League
18/03/2011 Araujo sees Portugal's chance to make mark
16/03/2011 Portugal's World League schedule confirmed
10/03/2011 Cruz promises Puerto Rico show in World League
10/03/2011 Cuba head to Peru for pre-season training
9/03/2011 Changes to World League calendar announced
8/03/2011 Diaz outlines targets for World League latecomers Portugal
8/03/2011 Velasco: Argentina youngsters will come good
3/03/2011 Final schedule for World League confirmed
2/03/2011 Portugal replace Egypt in 2011 World League
4/02/2011 Dünnes targets final round for Germany
10/12/2010 2011 FIVB World League match weekends finalised
19/10/2010 World League pools confirmed as Japan replace Dutch
30/08/2010 Puerto Rico qualify for first World League in history
29/08/2010 Carlos Cardona - it is “a good position for us”
29/08/2010 Puerto Rico defeat China in 2011 World League qualifier
28/08/2010 Puerto Rico and China in final battle for 2011 World League spot
26/08/2010 Puerto Rico prepare for China in World League qualifiers
25/08/2010 Korea delighted with two wins in Japan, but say there's still work to do
25/08/2010 Korea keep place in FIVB World League with win over Japan
25/08/2010 2011 World League Promotion/Relegation - Japan v Korea Game 2 live text commentary
24/08/2010 Korea happy to score a win from Japan in Nagano
24/08/2010 Korea beat hosts Japan in first 2011 FIVB World League qualifying match
24/08/2010 2011 World League Promotion/Relegation - Japan v Korea Game 1 live text commentary
23/08/2010 Japan & Korea meet in World League promotion/relegation match
18/08/2010 Japan moves onto next stage of World League qualifiers
17/08/2010 Japan beat Tunisia in 2011 FIVB World League qualifiying
16/08/2010 Japan and Tunisia set to square off in 2011 FIVB World League qualifier
8/08/2010 Puerto Rico advance to next stage of World League qualifying
7/08/2010 Puerto Rico beat Portugal in first World League qualifier
6/08/2010 Puerto Rico prepares for 2011 FIVB World League qualification clash with Portugal
4/08/2010 2011 FIVB World League kicks off as qualification begins
24/07/2010 Puerto Rico’s men to defend the gold at home
   

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