Brazil
Poland
USA
Bulgaria
Argentina
France
Russia
Italy
Cuba
Serbia
Germany
Iran
Canada
Korea
Finland
Netherlands
Japan
Portugal
Dominican Rep.
EgyptPress release
Netherlands one step away from return to World League
Tony Krolis scored the most points against the Dominican Republic in the first World League qualification round
Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 29, 2012 - To return to the World League – the most prestigious international volleyball event – the Dutch men’s volleyball team had to beat two countries.
Last weekend, they passed their first hurdle by defeating the Dominican Republic twice in front of the home crowd in Rotterdam. This weekend it will be Portugal that comes to play two more matches in Rotterdam, the final opponent standing between the Netherlands and qualification for Word League 2013.
“The first step is made, defeating the Dominican Republic,” said Netherlands coach Edwin Benne. “So far, everything goes according plan. Winning the first match in straight sets gave us a lot of confidence for the second day.”
Despite good results, Benne is still looking for improvement.
“I think we can improve our serving and blocking. But these are small details. Last weekend we played well and I am very satisfied. The Dominicans have a great team with fantastic athletic volleyball players.”
While the Netherlands look to earn promotion to the World League, it is up to Portugal to hold them off. The Portuguese finished World League 2012 in 16th and last position, and must therefore beat the Netherlands to keep their place in the competition.
“Portugal is slightly favoured,” said Benne. “We are a young growing team, while Portugal has played in the World League for years. But I think there are opportunities. We have won a lot this year against higher-ranked teams, like Finland, Australia and Slovakia.”
The prospect of playing in the World League, against all of the best national teams, motivates the Dutch players. Benne said he notices that every day during training.
“It is very important for the team to work towards a common goal, so that everyone feels they have something to win,” said Benne. “If all goes well, we will play in the European Championship and the World League next year. For the players, there is nothing better than that.”
Download highresolution
Last weekend, they passed their first hurdle by defeating the Dominican Republic twice in front of the home crowd in Rotterdam. This weekend it will be Portugal that comes to play two more matches in Rotterdam, the final opponent standing between the Netherlands and qualification for Word League 2013.
“The first step is made, defeating the Dominican Republic,” said Netherlands coach Edwin Benne. “So far, everything goes according plan. Winning the first match in straight sets gave us a lot of confidence for the second day.”
Despite good results, Benne is still looking for improvement.
“I think we can improve our serving and blocking. But these are small details. Last weekend we played well and I am very satisfied. The Dominicans have a great team with fantastic athletic volleyball players.”
While the Netherlands look to earn promotion to the World League, it is up to Portugal to hold them off. The Portuguese finished World League 2012 in 16th and last position, and must therefore beat the Netherlands to keep their place in the competition.
“Portugal is slightly favoured,” said Benne. “We are a young growing team, while Portugal has played in the World League for years. But I think there are opportunities. We have won a lot this year against higher-ranked teams, like Finland, Australia and Slovakia.”
The prospect of playing in the World League, against all of the best national teams, motivates the Dutch players. Benne said he notices that every day during training.
“It is very important for the team to work towards a common goal, so that everyone feels they have something to win,” said Benne. “If all goes well, we will play in the European Championship and the World League next year. For the players, there is nothing better than that.”
Download highresolution
| Language(s) |
English |
More press releases
|
|
||
|
19.06.2013 13:30:17 Germany looking for their first World League victory Frankfurt, Germany, June, 19, 2013 - The German team has begun preparations for its next World League matches against Cuba scheduled to take place on ... More... |
||
|
19.06.2013 12:49:40 France thinking positive as it takes on World League champions Poland Paris, France, June 19, 2013 - After four defeats in a row, a young French team is hoping for a better result in their upcoming home match against Po... More... |
||
|
19.06.2013 11:45:08 The Netherlands looking to top Pool C Amsterdam, the Netherlands, June 19, 2013 - The last two home matches of the Netherlands against Portugal, promises to be exciting especially as the t... More... |
||
|
19.06.2013 11:18:33 World League Week 4 - Showdown in Siberia while defending champions look to bounce back Lausanne, Switzerland, June 19, 2013 - Four of the world’s top volleyball nations remain undefeated after the third week of the FIVB World league. Aft... More... |
||
|
17.06.2013 12:27:46 Italy, Russia and Brazil lead the way at end of World League Week Three Lausanne, Switzerland, June 17, 2013 – The three most successful countries in the FIVB Volleyball World League - Italy, Russia and Brazil - are the st... More... |
||
|
16.06.2013 22:29:09 'Now we are ready for the difficult matches' says Italy's captain Florence, Italy, June 16, 2013 - Italy confirmed its strength, winning its fourth match in the 2013 FIVB World League, beating 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-... More... |
||
|
16.06.2013 22:03:16 Italians get fourth win at World League Florence, Italy, May 26, 2013 - Italy confirmed its strength, winning its fourth match in the 2013 FIVB World League, beating 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-19... More... |
||
|
16.06.2013 09:39:01 Finland captain Siltala: Japan played really wisely, hit really hard Komaki, Japan, June 16, 2013 – After two tough four-set matches against Finland in Komaki, coach Gary Sato and his Japan team were delighted to emerge... More... |
||
|
16.06.2013 08:37:15 Fukuzawa leads Japan to comeback win against Finland Komaki, Japan, June 16, 2013 – After picking up their first home win under new coach Gary Sato, hosts Japan faced another difficult match against Finl... More... |
||
|
16.06.2013 05:41:07 Speraw: France has capacity to be a great team USA v France press conference... More... |
||