Pool B: Who won in the Battles of the Titans
Analysis
The action in the #EuroVolleyW Pool B came to an end with an exciting match between the teams of Bulgaria and Poland. The Bulgarian Lionesses grabbed a 3-1 win, and secured first place in the group, while the Poles remained second placed.
But how did the players of Ivan Petkov reach the ultimate pool stage goal? Which are the teams that proceed ahead and what was their road to the eightfinals?
Bulgaria
Bulgaria started off with an easy 3-0 over Greece in the opening match in Pool B. Captain, Elitsa Vasileva topped the charts in this match with 19 points to her name. The Lionesses of Petkov then had two days off, and came back to the court in sports hall Kolodruma on Saturday, when they smashed another 3-0 win, this time around against Spain. Emiliya Dimitrova became top scorer, with 13 points. The disappointment for the Bulgarians came on Sunday, when they lost after a hard-fought match (2-3) against Germany. Although Gergana Dimitrova and Emiliya Dimitrova contributed with 19 and 18 points each, some small errors costed the Bulgarians the win. After a day rest, on Tuesday, Bulgaria came back for another 3-0 win, outclassing Czech Republic. Their opponents would only put up a fight in first set, and it was again Gergana Dimitrova and Emilia Dimitrova who were the best, wtih 14 and 12 points respectively. Winning over Poland on Wednesday, the Bulgarians finish in the group as pool leaders. Emiliya Dimitrova was above all with 21 points.
Poland
Poland were perfect in the group before the final match day. In their matches against Germany (3-1), Greece (3-0), Czech Republic (3-1) and Spain (3-0), Magdalena Stysiak proved one of the next big stars of women’s Volleyball, finishing as top scorer in all the matches besides the one with Spain, when captain Malwina Smarzek was the best. However, the Polish players couldn’t reach the first place in the group, as on the final matchday, the Bulgarians caused them their first loss.
Germany
Germany finish third in Pool B, as probably Volleyball fans were expecting them to. However, the players around head coach Felix Koslowski had their chances to finish even better placed. With star opposite Louisa Lippmann back in the game, and new players as Camilla Weitzel in the middle, Germany showed great potential and is an opponent to watch out for. In their first match, Germany lost 1-3 to Poland, but after a great fight on the court. Next, the German team delivered a 3-1 and a 3-2 wins over the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, respectively. They had no problems with Greece and Spain as well, winning in three sets over them.
Czech Republic
Finishing on fourth position in Pool B, Czechia are the last team to proceed ahead in the next stage of #EuroVolleyW. They were able to make it difficult for pool favourites Bulgaria and Poland in the first sets of their respective matches, but didn’t deliver any big surprises. The players of head coach Ioannis Athanasopolous lost to Germany and to Poland with the same result (1-3), and in three sets to pool leaders Bulgaria. Czehia claimed a 3-1 victory over Spain, and a 3-0 over Greece. In all their matches, the Czech counted mostly on their outside spiker Michaela Mlejnkova who was most efficient on attack.
Greece&Spain
Greece and Spain leave the competition after its first stage. The Greek team wasn’t able to record a single victory, although they have had their chances, but lost all the decisive balls in key moments towards the end of the sets. Anthi Vasilantonaki was creating problems to their opponents’ defence, but it was never enough for a win.
In the direct clash for the fifth place in the group, Spain prevailed over Greece after a five-setter, with rising star Raquel Montoro showing once again her potential.