Press release

London, Great Britain, July 29, 2012 – Germany’s coach Vital Heynen did not look too disappointed after his guys had suffered a 0-3 defeat to the always physically impressive Russian players mentored by Vladimir Alekno. “We played decently and had a chance to win the first set. We could not capitalize on this and Russia is very strong, too strong for us. So, after we missed our chances in the first set, they accelerated the pace and we couldn’t catch it. As for the tournament, for us it is important to bring it home as we play Serbia and Tunisia at the end of Pool play” he says.

Team captain Björn Andrae shares the opinion of his mentor: “We played good volleyball up to the end of the first set. We defended well with our blocks but we could not find our way through the Russian wall. I feel a little upset because we did not really get into the game which is something we have been doing since the beginning of this summer. If we succeed in doing this, we can play well”.

The final section of the first set determined the fate of the game and Russia’s Alexander Volkov was evidently pleased with its outcome. “We start already looking at the next game with Brazil and I feel this is going to be a real showdown. I really enjoyed playing at Earls Court, especially since I did not expect so many spectators in attendance for a morning session. It is always great when it’s full”.


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