EuroVolleyW 2023: Shortly after dramatic loss, hosts play pool favourites in Tallinn
Preview
EuroVolley 2023 Women action resumes Sunday in Tallinn – with hosts Estonia due to play the highest-ranked team in Pool D, the Netherlands, only some 24 hours after their truly dramatic fixture with neighbours Finland.
It will be interesting to see to which extent the Estonians have recovered physically as well as emotionally from an experience that despite the rather unhappy end they will remember for the rest of their lives. With 3,812 fans watching from the stands of the UNIBET Arena, EuroVolley has helped set a record of attendance for women’s sport in the Baltic country. Even though Estonia edged ahead twice, they eventually lost the fourth set as well as the subsequent tiebreak – and they are still vying for their first EuroVolley triumph since their continental debut at the 2019 edition in Hungary.
The matchup with the Finns accounts for the closest they have made it to record such historic victory – even though back in 2019 they lost another match by the same score (2-3) to Azerbaijan. It is however rather hard to imagine that today’s matchup with the Netherlands could be the opportunity to achieve this feat.
Kertu Laak“It was obviously a painful loss, but as such, it forces you to continue working. The tournament is still long. What happened on Saturday was fantastic! I am very, very happy and grateful that so many people came to watch us, and I hope that the fans will come to the next games as well, we promise that we will do our best anyway."
Opposite hitter of Estonia
The Netherlands are the heavy favourites to secure top spot in the group and they will start today’s fixture from a record of two wins from as many matches without dropping a single set against Spain and Slovakia. The fans will obviously be Estonia’s seventh player, especially if they turn out in numbers like Saturday’s figures – but the physical and technical prowess of the Dutchwomen will be a hard test to stand. However, it is only by playing this sort of opponents that the winners of this year’s European Silver League will be able to continue their development and make it closer to the continental elite.
Alessandro Orefice“At times we already saw quite good Volleyball, my players were not under pressure, and it seemed that they were able to enjoy playing. But unfortunately, the result is as it is. Finland has its weaknesses, but also a lot of skills, and unfortunately, in games like this, the result can depend on a couple of small mistakes or details. I have no objections to the attitude or fighting spirit of my team, but we must find a winning mentality and take concrete steps to win and be more aggressive."
Head coach of Team Estonia
Earlier on Sunday afternoon, the Finns will return to the court as well to play France – who like the Netherlands have a perfect 2-0 win-loss record so far in the competition.
