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Russia rated No. 1 by Dutch rivals
 Visakhapatnam,
India, August 12, 2005 - Netherlands head coach Gido
Vermeulen is under no illusions about the size of the task
facing his team in Saturday's semi-final against Russia.
"I think Russia is the best team here from what I've seen,"
admitted Vermeulen, following Friday's practice at the Rajiv
Gandhi Indoor Stadium. "Brazil had some tough fights in the
preliminary round, against us and Iran, but Russia won
convincingly every time.
"I haven't been able to watch them here personally, but my
scout was always there, so I have my data and tapes.
"We played them last year in the Europeans and lost 3-1, but
every set was only two points difference, and they have
changed only one player. We know them very well."
The Netherlands' outstanding individual to date has been
Jeroen Rauwerdink, and the coach's biggest concern will be
moving him into position to beat the awesome Russian
blockers.
Win or lose, Vermeulen feels the campaign has helped lift
the profile of the sport back home.
"Volleyball in Holland is declining at the moment, and a lot
of people are expecting my group to grow up and hopefully
become the new generation.
"We are trying to start them playing younger, as 21 or 22 is
much too late, and this team here is the result of three
years together.
"We have the talent, but we need it younger." |
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