Russia is World League 2011 Champion!!!

Kate, I didn't say we are the stronger team. We beat you 2007 and 2009 in important games, but so did the Serbians, and Russia is stronger than both Balkan teams. Russia is the strongest team together with Brazil. The difference is small enough so we can beat you from time to time, that's what I meant

Zyta, Poland is 38 mln people. How many professional players do you have? How much money do you put in volleyball? What is your GDP compared to Bulgaria?

Even so, the team organization is the problem not the injuries. Also the players are too used to rely on Kaziyski and Nikolov

"Does Italian fans crying because there are no Valerio, Parodi, Mastrangelo? "

Parodiiiii ?((((((((((((((

ahahahhahXD

@raylight: Cuba is a small island and I imagine they don't invest too much money in volleyball, but they got argent medal in WC10... Serbian has only 8000 vb players (from under 14 to the top championship, male and female), btw they got the bronze...

@raylight
People in Poland think they're poor and in compare to Italy or Germany our GDP is low... I don't know how many players we have, but I know that many people, who want to play volleyball can't play in a professional team, because of lack of money to set up a team. We have only 4 leagues (classes). In my city (60 thousand people) there isn't any volleyball team (except school or amateur teams).

But You can be proud of Bulgarian volleyball.

Cuba has population over 11 million and they have better physical abilities than the athletes from most of the other powers in volleyball. Also, they don't play a 150 games per year and are fully rested and ready for the NT

Thank you, someone. I have to say that Poland is much better socially and economically than Bulgaria, so every time you look to Germany, look to us and Serbia for example how good you are doing ?)

Kk15 - Serbians always had great school of coaches in team sports. Also, they have much more luck than us, going to easy groups and Italy gave them a present. And in their best years 2000 and 2001 they were much bigger country - Yugoslavia, with multiethnical background, even Serbia now has Hungarians, Romanians, Bulgarians and Macedonians to choose from for the NT. If you look the history all World/Olympic Champions were from bigger countries than ours; Czhech-Slovakia was 20 mlns, Russia, East Germany, Japan, USA, Brazil, Italy, Big Yugoslavia

How much money do you put in volleyball?

raylight your players got mitsubishi for playing in NT, not mine ?

You have four good opposites, we have two, one refused to play in NT this year, another is after surgery, other doesn't play good enough, so we had to take left-side spiker. You don't have that much problem in reception as you think, you have Penchev and Skrimov, even I heard about him and I'm not follow French League, but your coach have chosen Bratoev who spend most of season sitting next to the scout0man of Trento. Skrimov has the best reception from your receivers and is very dynamic even for his 190cm, so sorry, no offense, but you make your own problems really...

haha ?

Zyta, this is cultural aspect of the Balkans "На гол тумбак чифте пищови". Even the poor guys drive good cars. They may not have food to eat or wine to drink, but they drive powerful cars. It is relict from the medieval ages, when the battle horse was the most valuable asset for every family

You have some right, Zyta, can't say you don't ?

Steuerwald blocking Kaziyski - priceless! ?

I as always like to say Simon is the Best and the others thing are crap XD still hapyy people bulgaria lose or win its the same thing. they need to grow up and get the level again of the last generantion when played Grets Players Like Ivanov or Konstantinov its a shame they never get a medal in this competetion. ? teams like France , Italy Poland and Bulgaria are almost full of youngers and well cuba its a exepction because they always its a sub-20 or 22 years old team however Simon its the best and that is was i count. XD

Another injury for Bulgaria . This time Valentin Bratoev injure his ankle in the match with Germany (1st set) . Our team is cursed ?

if they lose tomorrow again only a miracle can saved you team to be in the final round . Because like i say rusia its prepare this year for implant his world domination at least in this WL

Zyta, you can't say that we can count on Penchev as our best receiver...He is playing in our league, he is far too young and unexperienced to be main player for NT.Same for Skrimov(except the league)...Anyway we were always weak in this part of the game so there is no place for tears ? Great match today I felt sorry that we lost it but I'm sure we will rise with 3:0 tomorrow ?

By the way great play by Sokolov - 33 pts. I liked Schops from Germany too...

One player in attack = 1 point for us. Kaziyski should rethink his strategy, if he can't hit with power, he should always attack for block-out. Another match for him without efficiency

Could you upload a movie with action i 1st match USA-Poland 1 set on the beginning of this set? 2-2 I guess ;D

I agree...And bad play in attack for our MB's (as always, Zhekov just can't play with them) and our 2nd receiver(Penchev and Aleksiev both)...

Actually Todorov had 4/6 in attack

he can do much better...

Yes, when he and Zhekov learn some stuff

Italy-France 3:1!!

I'm really glad this group could handle his first defeat ?, that was more important to me than the victory itself!
it was a good reaction, even if far from being perfect ?

Kk15, I am hoping that you will play for victory against Cuba

if cuba beat and get the 6 points the next week the FIrst Place will be decide in Italy and is very possible to this happens. Because one France beat at least one time Italy and Cuba its a team more confindent right now. so well even Italy are right now in the 1st place this Place is not secure at least to the next week.

USA- Poland 3:1

Match of errors, but both teams fighted for every ball. USA played average. In our team every player commited a lot of mistakes (except great playing Nowakowski). We had some chances to play in tie-break (a few point advantage in 4th set), but we lost them, because of our errors. It wern't Kurek's days in USA.

I hope we would win at least one match against Brazil. Go Poland, Go!!! ?

OyeaH

Zyta, you can't say that we can count on Penchev as our best receiver...He is playing in our league, he is far too young and unexperienced to be main player for NT

Exactly, he is young, unexperienced, he need to improve basically everything. So... Skrimov is the best receiver if we talking about reception and that's what I meant. Not your future [Penchev definitely can be in the future important player for your team], but now, today, this edition of WL.

Yes, Todorov 4/6, but I would focus on this 6, ONLY 6 in match with 5 sets, especially when Bulgaria awoke and Zhekov could use him. But I don't expect nothing anymore from Zhekov.

Today teams changed roles - we made more mistakes this time and Anderson went back from Brazil. USA need to take some points from Brazil, at least two matches loosing 2:3 and if we will loose with Brazil, welcome USA in F8 ?

Cuba kill Korea Again 3x0 16 points for the litle Bell, Leon was also great and well only to say come on Boy we can do this. The next week to try to keep the distance of 4 points behind Italy and for the last week the battle whit Italy will be epic. I hope that

Poland, how could you?

Zyta, what about the perfect sets for Sokolov from Zhekov?

Revan, I'm glad Cuba is playing better, and I hope next week will offer us two tighten matches, like the second match Italy-Cuba?
Of course I want Italy to be the first in the pool, but as second I prefer Cuba ?

Revan, I'm glad Cuba is playing better, and I hope next week will offer us two tighten matches, like the second match Italy-Cuba?
Of course I want Italy to be the first in the pool, but as second I prefer Cuba ?

Well as I thought 2 matches of Italy vs France were the best this week (so far) :] I haven't seen so many so long actions for quite a long time. And USA : Poland... Almost mirror matches from Łódź ?

I have to say that Raphael Oliveira the magician of trentino sufer a injury in pass day when hi and the team B of Brazil are disputing a match in the Pam American who was win by brazyl yesterday against the Team B of Usa it seems to be a serious Injury because he tore his Achilles tendon and was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

this is the Source:http://norceca.org/June%2018-2011_Brazil%20wins%20epic%20battle%20over%20the%20U.S.%20for%20gold.htm

its a shame for the fans of Brazil and also more sad for the fans of the Best club Team in the World Trentino Volley ;(

I read it, I've now idea how much time he will need to recover, and honestly I don't even now if the possibility of recovering is good or not, I hope there will be some new... But it sounds to be a bad injury ?

raylight but Zhekov always, well... almost always ;-) sets nice to opposites or Kaziyski, I mean count of sets middles.

Poland, how could you?

ahahaha, sorry dude ?

Yesterday was Poland's best match in WL so far, today the worst. USA didn't play well too, but they had good, strong serve in second match. We need Gruszka in shape like the air in f8? Another problem is no sub for Kurek. If he has bad day, it'll be hard to win with best teams. And in USA doesn't have second opposite? It looks like some players are impossible to replace (like he in USA or Kaziyski in Bulgaria).

luca14, in fisrt match Serbia played terrible, especially Petkovic but still thay were better,
i can see Castellani hand in finland, very bad serv and stupid substitutions or no substitutions

For me Rusia and Brasil whit Poland and almost Italy are already qualified, and the final round will be , Brazil , Poland, Usa, Italy,Rusia, Argentina,Cuba and Serbia or Bulgaria.

Bulgaria 3:1 Germany.Great play by Sokolov again with 26 points.Kaziyski was also good in attack - 16 pts.Todorov 5 blocks and Yosifov 4 - I think that was the difference btw the two matches.Now Bulgaria and Serbia both with 13 pts, second, fighting for spot in the finals ?

Cuba is with 12 pts and is facing Italy and France

Congratulations to Bulgaria. Sokolov very good game. Kaziyski is not in top form. Good change Penchev. He plays well on the defensive. Bulgaria needs to play better if they want to advance. Matches with Russia will be decisive.

Cuba is with 15 pts...

cuba by set radio and Average in points is the best second place of the WL right now , if cuba win one match this friday destroy every remote posibility for france to get in the Final round and well its question of time france is already dead like puerto rico and Japan, and well bulgaria will get in my opionion to 19 points and stop because i dont think in his victory against the russians even whit his own fans, for beat russia this year is nessesary players ready 101% and Bulgaria don get even 100% so will be dificoult for Kasisky and the others the match of yesterday was very important and they losed pherphaps in the last week rusia give rest to the first squad bulgaria will have a oportunity but they need to play in a intense level for that and practice more the part of reception because like cuba they sucksss, but this is only my opinion whit not offense.

My bad :

We will see about that Revan ?

for me the chances are 60 for rusia and 40 for bulgaria and if you go to the arena for support your team will be 59% russia and 41 % Bulgaria at least increase the posiblity XD, kidding.

I uploaded the first match Germany - Bulgaria and we wait ?

Argentina - Portugal 3:0. First and third set tight till second technical time-out. Unstoppable middles form Argentina. Arroyo played today and form second set Occampo, as something happened to Conte - his left leg, but maybe only muscle spasm or something, because he sat till the end of the match with coach assistant and doctor didn't even gave him ice. Besides Argentina played well without him, so there was no reason to risk and put him back on court. Another great match of De Cecco.
And Pereyra have birthday today, nice reaction of Argentinean fans for him ?

I uploaded the second game Germany - Bulgaria with better quality from sport 2 transmission.

A propo finałów Ligii Światowej , co myślicie o małej kampanii reklamowej strony?? umieszczenie adresu na flagach, czy koszulkach, nie ma chyba jakiś specjalnych pozwoleń na tę formę? nie wyrzucą przecież z meczu a osoby siedzące koło ciebie mogą się zainteresować tematem, wgle ktoś ze strony poza mną się wybiera?
wiem, miewam szalone pomysły ;P

ja się wybieram takiego wydarzenia w Polsce nie można przegapić?

Ehh ja z chęcią bym pojechał, ale mieszkam na przeciwległym krańcu Polski i nawet wyjazd do Łodzi był już dość męczącą sprawą :]

Wiegel with wild card for the WCC

We know, Dynamo can't go, as Zenit represent Russia on WCC, so Federation gave Wegiel wild card.

Vadim Khamutskikh is officially back to Lokomotiv-Belogorie

http://www.volley-balls.ru/russian-superleague/player-transfer/1363-vadim-hamuttskih-returned-to-the-lokomotive-belogorie.html

Aww Ignaczak has some knee injury (not really dangerous though) and might not play agains Puerto Rico :|

i've just logged in and realized i messed up the topics to write about Vadim

sorry xD

edit: AleNickel, there are sometimes mistakes on the FIVB site)

Birarelli (to let him rest) and Della Lunga (calf problem) not in the first squad for tomorrow (I didn't understand if only for tomorrow or also for sunday...).
Savani is back.

Barone will play as titoular with Buti, while Mattia Rosso is supposed to be the 4th OH (Kovar was injuried, he was with the team in Trieste but I don't know if he is back)

Ignaczak trained today with the team, so it can't be serious injury.

ger-rus 2-3

arg-fin 3-2

Spiridonov acted bad, but he is young, he will learn

@chrison no flagi na bank nie bede miała ale jakis adres na koszulce umieszczę ;p

He acted bad, but played good? Russian block was like a wall, especially in first and last set. Germans played good in defense, great Schöps.

Well yeah he's young but when he spiked AFTER the ref's whistle he should get at least yellow card. I'm not gonna believe that he didn't hear the whistle '-.-

Spiridonov says he has no complexes, because there is only one player better than him, his ex club teammate Giba ? yesterday he was nice as for he can do, in Russian league he got yellow and red cars about once for a three matches, sth like this. This is just how he act, his character - he won't change :-P

Spiridonov is another buffoon who provokes bad feelings from the opponents and their crowd.

Zyta is right - it's part his character, he's just a VERY emotional person, he needs it to show good game he shows.
That's what he does, and as long as it works, let it be so)

Italy-Korea 3-0 Monster performance by Ivan Zaytsev

I don't know if being happy because we've already won or sad because the match has already finished ?

Zaytsev *.*

Ger-Rus 1-3
Pol-Pur3-1
Fra-Cub 2-3

terrible match of Polsih team, for sure the worst in this edition of WL and Soto is back with his efficiency

Well, kate, behaving like wild man from the forest is not something civilized society should encourage. He is a great player (although another players like Kaziyski, Dante, Juantorena are same level or better in my opinion), but he also represents Russia. Do you really want to be represented like that?

Saku, terrible match of Poland or great match of Puerto Rico?

raylight our terrible match, many errors.

Argentina had tendency to chilled after for example two won sets, especially against Finland. So they had lesson today "what can happen if you chilled after won few matches in a row, especially when Esko catching his form = Finland playing much better".
Argentina - Finland 1:3

raylight,
you know,we are usually represented by gloomy men with stone-cold faces, so yes, why not
and there is difference between a "wild man from the forest" and an emotional person.
probably you and i have different ideas about what is wild, i think he's not at all

we are usually represented by gloomy men with stone-cold faces, so yes, why not

hahahha, true ?

raylight ok, Spiridonov is cheeky, but... he will get yellow or red card not my or any other team. Why should I care? Of course it may be annoying, but believe me there are fans who will show him if they like it or not, they won't be nicer at all.

Spiridonov needs to chill a bit, and he will have the perfect attitude for a volleyball player. He is not that over the bar. I get annoyed and want to measure power with everyone who behaves that way, just a testosterone mechanism ?

Bulgaria 3:0 Japan
Unbelievable Sokolov with 23 points for 3 sets ! And outstanding Todorov with 6 phenomenal blocks. Bulgaria with 17 blocks in that match. Very good play even when we played without Matey and Vlado.

BUL 3:0 JAP - Great play once again by Sokolov(23points) and Todorov(6 blocks)!

haha 36 seconds after Nightfox ?

I want to see Metodi Ananiev in play for the second game vs Japan. Kaziyski needs rest and rehabilitation

I totally agree with you raylight. Kaziyski needs a rest, otherwise it will be hard to fix it quickly. Stoychev give hope a chance Ananiev or Penchev, because look how Kaziyski trying to make seven points a game, it makes no sense. But it all depends on how things takes off?

I uploaded Bulgaria - Japan and now we wait ?)

what happened to Matey that he needs rehabilitation? backache still? Truth is, he has no time for rest, last weekend will be real fight between Serbia and Bulgaria for F8, as USA won today 3:1 with Brazil and in 90% will reach the F8. So Bulgaria must send the best players against Russia.

Yeah, Brazil will be forced to play fair against Poland, but I believe you can win one time and Puerto Rico could give surprise against USA

I don't know raylight, USA can absolutly win vs Puertorico and they definitly have a reason to win... but of course everything can happen, as always

btw, today Italy has the chance to be mathematically sure of the F8 in case of 3 points victory (so I read), but not of the first place in the pool, unless France will win vs Cuba, or Cuba will win 3-2 (in that case even if we win today 3-1 and lose vs cuba 3-0; 3-0 we will have a better set ratio, if I'm not wrong)

Mine is not that probable, but is possible

Italy will let someone rest today: Birarelli (replaced as friday by Barone, but I don't know if he will be in tribun or in bench) and Buti for sure (replaced by De Togni, in tribun), and probably Lasko (may be replaced by Sabbi).

Serbia won 3-1 vs Portugal, Bulgaria is 2-2 vs Japan, 8-2 in tie break

Bulgaria won 3:2,, 15:10 in the tiebreak. Todorov with 8/9 in attack, Josifov with 3/4

Btw, Todorov with 21 serves, 0 errors and 4 aces

Let someone speak about Zhekov now!

Cuba 2-1 vs France, as already say the batle for the qualification would be between Serbia and Bulgaria and Bulgaria will be fight whit the best team of the WL so i think Bulgaria will be out of the Final 8, because one: Usa vs Puerto Rico only a miracle could give Puerto Rico the victory Second: Brazil vs Poland only if Brazil let some rest to the starter Players Poland could win one game. And Argentina vs Serbia I think Serbia would be more concentrated because in the last week they will play the phase to the Finals so in my opinion the batle for the group D will be end in the next week only one can win Cuba or Italy and Italy have advantage for 5 point if cuba win now and Italy win 3-0 or 3-1

If we win 3:2 3:1 against Russia, we can make it, but only if our and their reception are similar

Bulgaria must win in two matches against Russia with one more point than Serbia against Argentina. Argentina still needs 2 points to be sure about F8, so they can even loose both matches but 2:3, but I bet they want to finish their battle for F8 in first match scoring 3 points.

What time Italy vs Korea will play?

Let someone speak about Zhekov now!

I can speak, but what do you mean?

Cuba won 3-1 ?
For Italy that's mean that if we want the first place in the pool - and we do ? - we can't lose vs Cuba.

@Zyta, right now?

Lasko titoular

Yes the Final Battle would in the last week CUba (20 points) and Italy(25 points if they win today as expect everybody. well its all cuba have a feet and half in the finals just batle one more time and they got it bye bye people

Italy-Korea 3-0
Hope someone will upload Sabbi's serve under the net because it worths ?

ahahah I recorded it so I think I will!!! great serve xD unfortunally no replay xD

btw, Italy will fly to Danzica!! But we have to wait the next week end to know if as first or second

today first time in court with the NT for Patriarca; first time for De Togni as titoular; first time that Sabbi and Rossi actually replaced a player (not only to serve/receive/block), I'm really glad that everyone can have his space! ?

Josifov with 3/4

4 times in match with 5 sets? So bad reception when Yosifov have been in first line or just Zhekov?

if USA get the final8, the question for the 8th place is probably between Serbia and Bulgaria, and may be serbia vs arg has more chance to get few points than bulgaria vs Russia... btw until the math doesn't say the opposite everything can happen, we also have to remember that Cuba is only 2 points over them....actually there's even the chance of USA being the worst second xD

I bet USA will win both matches for 3 pts.

Anyway the last week will be very emotional.

So bad reception

P.S. IF the MB is effective, he iand the setter has played well. The setter knows exactly how much to use the MB for him to stay effective. Question of tactics. We didn't have two powerful spikers, to whom the block should pay attention, like in Trento, that's why there was always block against the MB when he spiked. They were effective in spite of that

Sory raylight but I think that bulgaria this year is too waek to reacg f8; serbia deserved much more I didnt think that stoychev is so stupid to hold kaziyski on court, I really dont understna d this

Serbia deserves their luck by being honest and not playing to lose at the WCH 2010... wait

Supermen, Captain America and Wolverine are joining our team. Coach will be Charles Xavier, to force some good psychology on the team. Bookmakers give us chance for at least one point against Russia with the new reinforcements ?

P.S. IF the MB is effective, he iand the setter has played well. The setter knows exactly how much to use the MB for him to stay effective. Question of tactics. We didn't have two powerful spikers, to whom the block should pay attention, like in Trento, that's why there was always block against the MB when he spiked. They were effective in spite of that

What? Have you seen Yosifov in Roma? Uriarte or Paolucci know how to use him and how often, Zhekov should watch and learn. Anyway that may be tactic of Stoychev, I wouldn't be surprise as we know his tactic in Trento [middles played more during play-offs just because they had great form]. With Stoychev's and Zhekov's love to use middles they must be great pals ?
But Kaziyski is only human, he won't play great all the time... is it true Stoychev criticized him after this match?
I talked with someone, who is not Bulgarian but is fan of Bulgaria and she said opponents don't even jump to block your MB's during those matches, as Yosifov spiked only 4 times and reception wasn't that bad as Penchev covered 3/4 of court and to not set from 2nd/3rd meter.

Zhekov indeed needs to learn different ways to pass to the MB, with his current arsenal he used them both at thе maximum number of passes with this reception

Italy will play with his best starting six, exept may be Bari because he has a little problem of backache. Speaking about the last match Berruto said that "it will be a very true match, we will play with our best team and of course I imagine Cuba will do the same: the team of the last match is the team that will have to play in final8, so we will have on court the best team possible looking for the best result possible"

The craziest thing about this last weekend may be if Argentina, Italy and Russia won't let win those teams any point. And count then ratio or sets!

team statistics: (blocks=muro, media=average)

Ace set ace media/set
1 ITA 37 58 1,57
2 ARG 37 50 1,35
3 RUS 34 44 1,29
4 USA 37 46 1,24
5 POL 33 40 1,21
6 POR 40 47 1,18
7 BUL 40 44 1,10
8 FIN 43 42 0,98
9 FRA 40 39 0,98
10 SRB 40 36 0,90
11 CUB 39 35 0,90
12 GER 44 39 0,89
13 KOR 36 31 0,86
14 BRA 35 30 0,86
15 PUR 33 27 0,82
16 JPN 38 27 0,71

Ricezione perf tor %perf
1 BRA 404 621 65,1%
2 USA 454 717 63,3%
3 FRA 518 830 62,4%
4 KOR 411 705 58,3%
5 ITA 355 611 58,1%
6 ARG 355 668 53,1%
7 POL 326 617 52,8%
8 POR 404 781 51,7%
9 FIN 414 849 48,8%
10 PUR 348 715 48,7%
11 SRB 359 750 47,9%
12 CUB 328 712 46,1%
13 GER 358 841 42,6%
14 BUL 257 707 36,4%
15 RUS 193 558 34,6%
16 JPN 244 741 32,9%

Attacco perf tor %perf
1 RUS 455 796 57,2%
2 CUB 513 963 53,3%
3 ITA 446 920 48,5%
4 KOR 473 981 48,2%
5 SRB 569 1219 46,7%
6 ARG 488 1048 46,6%
7 JPN 462 998 46,3%
8 BRA 484 1070 45,2%
9 GER 530 1173 45,2%
10 FRA 514 1154 44,5%
11 POL 420 955 44,0%
12 BUL 456 1037 44,0%
13 FIN 518 1204 43,0%
14 USA 443 1051 42,2%
15 POR 473 1152 41,1%
16 PUR 404 1015 39,8%

Muro set Muri media/set
1 RUS 34 121 3,56
2 POL 33 113 3,42
3 BUL 40 135 3,38
4 ITA 37 119 3,22
5 USA 37 108 2,92
6 ARG 37 101 2,73
7 SRB 40 107 2,68
8 GER 44 117 2,66
9 CUB 39 102 2,62
10 FIN 43 112 2,60
11 BRA 35 89 2,54
12 POR 40 99 2,48
13 FRA 40 98 2,45
14 KOR 36 65 1,81
15 PUR 33 40 1,21
16 JPN 38 45 1,18

Difesa set Difese media/set
1 POL 33 414 12,55
2 BRA 35 425 12,14
3 PUR 33 357 10,82
4 USA 37 392 10,59
5 ITA 37 339 9,16
6 FRA 40 364 9,10
7 CUB 39 258 6,62
8 BUL 40 261 6,53
9 GER 44 279 6,34
10 KOR 36 223 6,19
11 ARG 37 228 6,16
12 RUS 34 199 5,85
13 SRB 40 234 5,85
14 FIN 43 230 5,35
15 JPN 38 201 5,29
16 POR 40 144 3,60

Italy first in the pool!!

Poland won the second set vs Brazil 25-18, and lost the first 23-25. wow!

Italy won 3-0!!!! 32-30 in the third set!! and everyone lost this thriller final because of trasmission probl from second setç_ç

Argentina lost 3-1 vs Serbia ?

but Italy saved Argentina. Argentina has 22 pts, even if they gonna loose tomorrow without scoring any point, Cuba has 18 points, so won't score more than Argentina - so Argentina will be in F8, no matter from which place in group. Tomorrow matches Serbia - Argentina and Italy - Cuba will show Bulgaria basically how many points they need to reach F8.

Russia with worst reception and best attack, wtf?!

Zyta Cuba has 20 points!

France managed to win 3-1 vs Korea, alleluja.

@raylight: and imagine (thinking only at these statistics) a match Russia-Brazil, Russia has high-ranked serve and second-worst reception, while Brazil has low-ranked serve and best reception!

What do you think for the best blocker in the World Leage so far, Teodor Todorov ?

Kk15 damn my mistake. So nothing sure for Argentina yet.

raylight Grankin and spikers make difference, he can do a lot from not perfect reception, gusy like Maxim and Spiridonov can score point even from not perfect set too.

First to all my congrats to Kk15 and the Italy team they play excellent against cuba weel maybe the next time boy, tomorrov wil see if Bulgaria can manage the Big Batle against Rusia Serbia its already qualified only whit this lose cuba is in dangerous serbia is almost in by the way Lasko and Savani they eat something today great game both well cuba 20 italy 28 its already the firs place and earn 1 million dollars cuba well the consolation for their and my las hpo win the next game the friday and rusia beat Bulgaria twice its all we will see.

thanks Revan?, but there's nothing to congrats with me xD but I'll take the compliments for my guys with pleasure! I think Cuba was playing well too, but too much errors in attack in the first set, unfortunally I couldn't watch the rest... did you see the whole match??

Poland lost the 4th set 24-26, what a pity! They were so close, again!

Unfortunately we have too much unexperienced players. We could win but it was like always is. I hope that Gruszka would help us in the final eight ?

I can't stand it anymore. We will never win with Brazil.

Don't worry guys. Poland have a LOT of potential. Your player just need to focus a little bit more in the psychologycal part of the game. Just that.....

France 24 blocks in 4 sets!! Hardy-Dessources and PUJOL with 7 each one!!
that's impressive O.O

For me there are 70 - 80 % of possibility that Bulgaria didn't qualify to Danzica!

Kk15 don't be surprise about Pujol, he is the best blocker from all setters and I would even say he is better than a lot of spikers in this case.

Bulgaria 3:1 Russia !!! Great game by Sokolov and Kaziyski!!!

Great victory for us, Bulgaria - Russia 3:1. The boys played with spirit, with courage, with precision, with heart and head, and they managed to win. Tomorrow will be harder, but they can win!

IMPRESSIVE!! Good job Bulgaria? It seems that Matey is back, isn't he? ?

Ok, now Cuba really need to win tomorrow, they have 20 points, Argentina 22, Serbia 21, Bulgaria 21. Exluding USA, at the moment they are the worst second.
Honestly I would be sorry if Cuba won't be in final8, but I really can't hoping for their victory vs Italy...
Then, go Puertorico!

Match Poland - Brazil is in laola.tv

congradulations team bulgaria,sincerelly)

the game was emotional,the bulgarians finally showed us the fight they used to promise over and over again xD
just don't be naive to flatter with it too much, let's see what happens tomorrow ?

Serbia - Argentina 0:3

yes!! I saw part of the match and it was a good match, there were few errors, but the teams were quite close! Actually there was a very nice recovery of Argentina in second set; after reaching serbia and passing them 24-23 they were almost to through this recovery away with two mistakes (serve and attack), but at the end they managed to close the set ?
Nice defence in general!

and, most important thing, Argentina, with 25 points, in final8!!! And as first in the pool ? I love these guys!
Now, Serbia can only wait others result... I checked, if I'm not wrong if Bulgaria will lose 3-1 or 3-0 Serbia will have a better set ratio.

What is happening to the Polish guys today?

Poland played poorly today, but Brazil fantastic game. They will destroy us in every element. If so Brazil will play like today in the Final 8 they will win again. It was the best match to Brazil in this season.

rany boskie, jakie my mamy niedołęgi na środku siatki... nie ma ani jednego solidnego, równo grającego środkowego. arek gołaś się w grobie przewraca. w ogóle kompromitacja dzisiaj... wierzę, że na finałach będzie lepiej.
we have never had so poor middleblockers in polish NT. total disaster against brazil today, but i hope it will be better in final eight

And without Bruno, Murilo, Vissotto, Lucas, right?

Poland - Brazil - 0:3

Kk15, fot me Marlon is better setter than Bruno, Murilo isnt in good shape, Visootto too(he even wasnt in match12) , Lucas yestarday played weak, Siadao was much better and today Rodrigao for Lucas was very good chocie, every Brazilians are on equal level, I dont think its schame that Poland lost with wonderfull playing Brazil but unfortunatly Poland played terrible

Excellent game of Brazil, totally crappy of ours. Kk15 we are weak that's what's happening.

Nice match of Bulgaria against Russia. A president seating on a stand must have motivated the team ?

yes saku I agree!, "every Brazilians are on equal level"<--that is what I meant?, no matter who is in brazilian court, they can keep their organization, their game.

For example, I think for Italy would be problematic playing without Travica, because these new group played only with him during matches. While for Brazil changing players is rearely a problem?

It wasn't Nowakowski's day, but he usually play good (for example yesterday). Bartman can't score crucial and some easy points. Maybe he isn't bad, but he's not what we need. Today Brazil played their best and we weren't play good. We need more experienced team and players, who can lead the team. I hope Anastasi would presuade to Wlazły that his behaviour isn't good for National Team and for him, because we need a player like him.

Guys, In my opnion, POLAND doesn't know how to play against Brazil, as like Brazil doesn't know how to play against USA, and it goes forward....


Every team has a "Achilles' heel"......

Congrats Bulgaria! Does it mean boys catch good form? Good, I don't want to see in F8 teams without form ?

Congrats Argentina! Or hopes of Serbia in Italy and their match with Cuba. Berrutto won't let his boys loose on purpose, may be match with lot of emotions.

Poland, oh my dear boys... We - fans - believe you can win with Brazil, but you have to believe in it too - IS THE TIME! Just stop talking in interviews you're not afraid of them, but show this. Less words, more acts.

PS. Our old, great friend Henrique send his best regards to all of you!

Hehehe ? I think RenanZ have right. We can win against USA, USA can win with Brazil, but We can't beat Brazil? We play good against Russia and Bulgaria and I don't know why ?

I think our boys don't afraid of Brazil but they don't know how to play against them.

Why do people think Poland can beat Brazil? they can't

Why? This is sport and everything can happen ?

Yes...Nobody believed in Bulgaria beating Russia but it happened ?

oh come on, it wasn't that surprising...

edit: if bulgaria have lost that game yesterday, i would lose any respect to it

Many people(including in this site and in Bulgaria too) weren't expecting Bulgaria to take any points from these games, so I think it was quite surprising...

you bulgarians are so uncertain xD
first you shout that you're able to beat our team if only...[list of reasons]
then when you finaly beat us,you're surprised and can hardly belive it

you guys are so funny really xDDD

Bul-Rus 1-1
If I'm not wrong, 'cause Bulgaria won 1 set, now - assuming that USA will beat Puertorico - Cuba needs to win: 1 point won't be enough to have a better set ratio.

Bul-Rus2-2
--> Bulgaria to FINAL8!!

nice done Bulgaria?
I'm gald the team reached the final8 by his own, not depending on other pool results. With this two macthes vs Russia they showed that they deserve the final8.

The logical happened. The team in better shape won, and the team who deserved to go at Final Eight in Poland will go the Final Eight in Poland. Congratulations to both teams for the two great games ?

I'm very happy that we are going to the F8.That wasn't our best game but we managed to secure our spot in the finals.Great play by Sokolov in the most important set.

Edit:kate, check the comments below - everybody said that we are the team with les chances for qualifying before the games....

Nikolov and Sokolov pulled the two sets, and Aleksiev played good game ?

OyeaH
don't get me wrong, i never meant to make that win less impressive or something. right visa versa, although my team lost, we lost in a good fight, which team bulgaria gave us. Unlike your team, we didn't really NEEDED to win, we needed experience. As a result both teams got what they needed, i don't see anything bad about it.
you said "nobody expected bulgaria to win",but i was sure they'd take that game, because there were plenty of reasons for bulgaria to win and for russia to loose.

my point is, everybody who can think by his own brain but not just repeat the same predictions after others, could see very good chances for bulgaria to take that game.

didn't YOU also believe bulgaria would win? i bet you believed, so there were at least two of us,weren't there?

sorry for too long commentary, hope you didn't get bored reading it.
cheers

p.s.my congradulations to TEAM BULGARIA. they made a great job.

I think that Stoychev's work showed something in these two matches. Last year we played much better, most of the time were equal to Brazil but didn't get enough points to qualify. This time Russia was most of the time the better team, but we managed to win one time and to take 4 points out of 12

Congratulations to Bulgaria and welcome in Poland! I'm glad that you advanced. I will longer be able to see Sokolov.

Thank you, Kkate15 and Roninho ? I hope we will meet later in the tournament

NightFox.Application. Upload attack T. Alexiev, which closes the second set against Russia

I added the first match with Russia, now we wait ?

Italy_Cuba 0:3

compliments to Cuba, expecially Bell, he was unstoppable. I'm glad they are in final8, but... what the hell, I think we deserved to go in Danzica with a victory ç_ç

I didn't saw our guys focused enough...

yes Kk15 i dont see the game but i think Italy let cuba win the match the normal result would be 3-2 if cuba win but they win 3-0 and that its not normal well wathever cuba 23 and bulgaria was a surprise for me Serbia out and its a shame now i see clearly serbia its nothing whitout Grbic and milkovic this generation needs like cuba grow up

no Revan, your guys played very well, we weren't on our best day, and they fighted all the time not to let us coming back. Of course we didn't played on our best level, ex in serve expecially with our best server, but please don't think that Cuba won only because Italy let them, they fight a lot and they deserved it.

Does Nikolov back to play? Good, it's always a pleasure to see Profesor Nikolov playing well, hope he will be in good shape in F8.

Revan:

"Serbia out and its a shame now i see clearly serbia its nothing whitout Grbic and milkovic this generation needs like cuba grow up"

that "nothing" Serbia without Nikola and Ivan have beaten Cuba [still with your the best and beloved Simon] last edition of WL and won bronze. Just saying.

Serbia is not weak, but is not a top 3 team without Grbic and Milijkovic.

Nikolov will be in shape for the final eight, Zyta, I hope he will show his skills there ?

Btw, feel free to watch and comment games with Bulgaria, it's not like we steel your money to hate us

raylight I haven't seen any of last four Bulgaria's matches, as I'm working sometimes while they playing and can't see every match I would like to see ? so there's nothing to comment really from my side - that's why I'm basically asking more about those matches, I bet you noticed. And I don't hate you, don't be silly. You have players that I like and respect. Nikolov will always has special place in my heart of fan ?

and while we're waiting for F8 - go Messi!

brazil,russia,cuba,usa in the same group in semi-final

i wonder,why brazil and usa are in the same group again...

Kate as three teams reach F8 from group A, two teams from this group have to play again in the same group.

BTW how can you know groups, while USA has still 18 points - the less from all teams from 2nd place in group and struggle now with Puerto Rico?

biryukov told xD

Biryukov wait for USA, dude ?

The rule is: if two teams from group A will have more points than host [Poland], one team from all 2nd places in groups with the less points won't be in F8. USA needs to score 4 points, otherwise Serbia can still pray and Sets Ratio will decide [if both teams will have 21 pts] - before this match Serbia had higher ratio.

xDD

thanks,i always get lost in those countings xD

USA won "only" 3-2

Are there such groups? According to a Bulgarian site will be the following groups:
Group "E":
1. Poland
2. Italy
3. Argentina
4. BULGARIA
Group "F":
1. Russia
2. Brazil
3. U.S.
4. Cuba
http://volleyball.sportal.bg/news.php?news=313215

I agree with Zyta, how is possible that the pools have already been chosen when USA hasn't reach the final 8 yet?

BTW, I hope they aren't the real pools... I still think that Russia, Brazil and I'll say USA are the "teams to beat", so I hope they won't be all in the same group.

And I still didn't understand HOW they will chose the pools O.o

First "Polish band" is placed at number one in Group "E" finals. Second teams from the same group in the group stage can still play together. Third, if the Poles remain third in its preliminary group, as was the case, then their group in the final phase will be two first team and one second. If the second group of Poland (USA) is one of the best three teams, the top two teams from the preliminary group of Poland go in a group, Brazil and the U.S. must be in one group. From all this it is clear that there are only two options are to satisfy these three conditions. Bulgaria is in a group with the Poles, Italy and Argentina or Brazil, USA and Italy. Things are clarified by the last condition.
For the arrangement of groups in the finals to take account of classification in the first phase, which is how many points (Russia - 31 points, Brazil - 30 points), but only the final group gets called. streamer system or "zigzag". But the leader of Group "E" must be the host so that the ranking system and starts a group "F" (Poland is considered first in this scheme, Russia for a second, Brazil - third shift is one place). Thus the order is so that it meets all conditions. Russia and Brazil fall into one group. United States as it was already clear to them. Italy goes to Poland as a fourth (or third in points), Italy, Argentina, Cuba in "sbornaya" and Carioca and Bulgaria remains the only place in the group in Poland. Even the Olympic champion U.S. did not win 6 points from their last two games against underdog Puerto Rico, but only four examples, I will not change the ranking. From all this it appears that graduates Rado Stoychev will be in Group "E" with Poland, Argentina and Italy.

The system is very cleverly done, because it assumes that Russia and Brazil will be the first team and saying they should fall into another group, rather than that of the hosts of Poland. In addition, it made the system sends the weakest of the first teams in the preliminary groups for the Poles and the worst qualifying team, which in this case Bulgaria (Group 'E': 1-4-5-8 and Group "F": 2-3-6-7, where 1 is Poland, 2, 3, 4, 5 winners in group stage, and 6, 7, 8 - second team).

Oh, thanks for explanation!
But why Brazil and USA (as the first and second teams in the host's pool) have to be togheter? Is there a specific rule about that?
Will it happen even if USA will be the n8? (n7 in point)
Can Russia-Bulgaria or Italy-Cuba be in the same pool?

But I don't think that it is right that n2 and n3 (considering that in points they are n1 and n2) are in the same pool, the rightest thing IMO is putting the two strongest teams apart..

I think the hosts are always tolerated.The groups are designed so that the hosts have more chances to win.So was the World in Italy. their scheme was made to play at least semi-final.These things kill volleyball.Еxample:In the second phase of the World Italy. Poland, Brazil and Bulgaria are in one group. One of the favorites fell only two losses (Poland). Bulgaria has also continued with two losses. While Poland, Brazil and Bulgaria are fighting a very difficult group, Italy is in a group with Germany and Puerto Rico (laughter). In the next phase in Italy with a group of U.S. and France. Escape Are teams like Brazil, Cuba and Russia.Teams from all that fear.Natural and Italy fear.But they are household team.THIS destroy VOLLEYBALL

Kk15 For first question I will say- Group 'E': 1-4-5-8 and Group "F": 2-3-6-7, where 1 is Poland, 2, 3, 4, 5 winners in group stage, and 6, 7, 8 - second team.

I found this site by FIVB:
"As hosts, Poland is automatically seeded in Pool E as 1. The two winners and two second placed teams from each pool will then be split into either Pool E or Pool F in order to guarantee fair balance between each group. In the event that Poland does not win or come second in their intercontinental group, Pool E will consist of two pool winners, one pool runner up and the hosts while Pool F will include two pool winners and two runners-up."

Last year the order was n1 Arg, n2 Brazil, n3 Cuba, n4 Russia, n 5 Italy, n6 Serbia and the two pools were: n1+n2+n6 (Argentina, Brazil, Serbia); n3+n4+n5

But actually it doesn't help to understand, because there were only six teams...

i think we can trust biryukov's words.
they must have already started preparing so he knows better

I understand it so?oland are not first or second in their group.They are in Group E as the first team (home team).Italy and Argentina are the group winners.Bulgaria finished in second place.After qualifying three teams, there is no other option. There is no way these teams are in different groups (there are two). So I understand!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_FIVB_World_League

It seems that it will be as you said, guys. Bah.

Bah is ancient word of the Boyko's tribe in Ukraine. In their language and in Bulgarian, it is related with "jebanje" ?

ops, I thought it was universal xD mah, mm can be the same...

it's the expression in the lower right corner here (the last face):

http://www.sniffilm.it/images/leespressionidelviso.jpg

That was my expression (wih longer and curlier hair and glasses:P) when I read these pools xD

I almost agree.
I think Russia and Brazil definitly deserve to be in semifinal, USA probably, but I don't know who deserves to be the fourth semifinalst. Probably now I won't say Cuba.

It doesn't surprise me at all. Same was in 2007 when Russia and Brazil were in the same group to make it easier for Poles. Unofficial "law of the host" which I don't like to be honest.

russia vs brazil will be the last match of the weekend,so who knows,probably it will be clear who reaches final 4 before that...

I agree Zyta, I don't like this unofficial law too.
Also because I bet that if one between the teams of the first pool will may be win the WL, someone will say "yes, but they had an easier tournament, yes, but they didn't had to play vs this or that team, yes, but ..."
At he will may be right.

Well, I will be happy if for once we have easy group at the final round. Brazil, Serbia, Italy or Brazil and Russia is too much

http://www.fivb.org/EN/Volleyball/Competitions/WorldLeague/2011/viewPressRelease.asp?No=30133&Language=en
the pools are offical!

A death pool: Brazil, Russia, USA, Cuba ?

Bulgaria hosted the World League finals in 2012!Bulgaria has received hosting of the World League finals in 2012. The news was confirmed by the International Federation of Volleyball - FIVB. So next summer the strongest volleyball teams in the world will come to us to resolve the dispute for the trophy. The host of the battle will be "Arena Sofia" in Sofia, which will be officially opened on July 30 this month with an exhibition volleyball match between teams of Bulgaria and Serbia. So far, all home volleyball fans dreamed of us have such an honor, but this has not happened now for the first time Bulgaria will adopt the World Cup finals since the creation of competition in 1990. The capacity of the new hall is 12 500 spectators, with standing it reaches 19,000.

"Tricolor" of Bulgaria will qualify by right at home regardless of the final phase results will be achieved in our preliminary qualification groups. We recall that the 2012 Olympics is because of the jubilee 30th Summer Olympic Games to be held in London from 27 July to 12 August.
http://volleyball.sportal.bg/news.php?news=313466

Great!Finally the fans in Sofia will have the chance to see the best volleyball players and show the world how great fans they are ?

@ OyeaH
I hope they will not show how to use skyrockets on the hall.

I'm certain they won't

For tournaments like this security check bags [to find bottle of water with lids], so they won't let him bring skyrockets.

Official: FIVB confirms Bulgaria will host the finals of the World League 2012
http://volleyball.sportal.bg/news.php?news=313643

That's the first time I can be fully satisfied with the teams qualified to the final round. Nevertheless this year's intercontinental round was one of the weakest in the past couple of years. Too many key players were injured/exhausted, and the game level suffered a lot due to that.

me too Michal - me too :]

hi guys today i come like a dreamer if i say cuba will pas to the semifinals who you say, come on give opinions. i like to read. but whit not offense ok? XD

I think Cuba improved a lot from the beginning of the WL, for exemple they played respectivly well and very well in the last two matches vs Italy, and of course they have a great potential, so actually they "may" be able to get the semifinal... I mean, I won't be such surprised if they will play a good final8 pool...
but I don't trust too much in their "cold blood" and in their setters' tactical abilities, and you need both to play vs Brazil or USA...

yes is truth but we play almost excelente the last game its like cuba play the first game of this Wl but all good and was vs italy, but now whit the change we have more complication because play first vs Brazil its a lose almost secure and i say almost because in this life impossibles not exist but well i know the reality and Rusia they always have complication for win everey tournament even when they play well the intercontinental round this is a differente history like we know, in the finals all the team will show their best and will change the mentality and all aspects of game i think cuba winning 3-2 Russia and 3-1 or 3-0 vs Usa we are in . but this a har situation and cuba in the reality have all chances to stay in 4place of the group .

Everything is possible in Final8

Pool F : this will be a volleyball hell!!! Let the show begins

2 hours and the final8 will start *_____*

I can't wait!

Are there someone from Germany to know where can I watch the finals (witch chanel) because now I'm in Dresden and I want to watch the matches of Bulgaria if I can ...

We begin the countdown! 1hour and 19 minutes!

few interviews from FIVB youtube channel:

Interview to Zorzi about the final8 in general:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCY3PFQLPHk&feature=feedu
Interview to the capitains: (I have to say that Savani speak English very well ?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaP8VRbkvUQ&feature=feedu
Interview to the coaches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLosS97kLBA&NR=1

what a comeback for USA in 1st set

Kk15 you posted Zorzi interview for captain interview as well

Yes Berny, btw Russia helped.
Musersky in the end of set made three mistake in receptions (he had to take that ball!!), attack and serve. Actually everythings he did O.o

@HeelMooi: damn, sorry! I'll edit right now?

That 3rd set looks like a war...Khtei headshotting Priddy, Stanley landing on Mihaylov's foot...There is huge battle ?

The first match finished. The best on the pitch - Maxim Mikhaylov. Americans have a weak serve and a bad day Priddy. Match at a good level. Now it's time for Brazil - Cuba.

Poor Anderson

first match on high level, veryy bad Thornton, many many mistakes from him

Yeah I agree with saku, Thornton played very bad.I liked Lee from USA.Mikhaylov played great game for Russia and I liked Biryukov performance too.Good start of the F8 ?

Polish replays are simply over the top *.*

KK15 Yeah, but we had to wait for them since Women European Championship in 2009.

I am curious whether HenriqueCLT in Gdansk. He once wrote that arrives at final8. In the TV often show Brazilian fans, maybe they also showed HenriqueCLT ?

Hah if he is I hope he was watching first 2 sets of Cuba : Brasil carefully ? Hope it will end 3:0! ?

Go Cuba! Yeah! Revenge for World Championship final!

Especially Mikhaylov and Khtei performed well today against a strong and disciplined team from the USA. Most comments left on a russian fan-site were also very grateful for the magnificent replays in Poland, and me among them. Well done, as usual!)

polish fans are with Cuba ?

too fast arm ?

Hahaha Lucas spike near the end of 4th set, hilarious!!!

If the Final8 to be just such games as the Cuba-Brazil I lose my health!

Damn Cuba was sooo close to win 3-1!!

Fantastic replays, great work of Polsat.

You see this movie. How do you think? What are they doing?: D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdpSc-BVhIU&feature=player_embedded

Ah! Damn Brazil! I was rooting for Cuba to win and it seemed like they were gonna. I only saw live score; how did Lucs get so many points?!!

Roninho: haha what the hell is that?! which match is that from?

Cuba were so close ?

and then now i remember when Hitler angry in the film the Downfall, bad lucky but we are alive now more than ever this 3-2 its just we need to have more confidence tomorrow in the final batle against Rusia cuba will pass the test they are a great team whit all the words and well not all its lose brazil its longer to qualify and tomorrow would be the definition but yes to close that a dont believe it

Compliments from italian commentators to polishTV.
I'm feeling sick for how good are these slow motions!

Facundo also *.*

How many referees' mistake!! 2 for Argentina and for Italy! Enough!

Yes. Judges spoil the whole spectacle.

Other two errors! I hope once FIVB will understand referees need replays=.=

EDIT:

=(
Italy without enthusiasm after the first set. Only Savani kept an high level in high-ball attack... Bad proof in reception, but most important - because these are our strenght - bad proof in block and serve.
Please Zaytsev come back!

On Argentinian side, Facu was unstoppable, the MBs played very well, De Cecco is incredible smart as always, Pereyra after a not impressive start came back. Only Quiroga didn't contribuite to the victory...

Uff, I expected a better attitude from us...

and in the end of the journey cuba the best thank you thank you by the way please uplaod the press conference i have problems for see video from youtube

Italy played poorly in the adoption and servers. Service is very strong side Italians but not in this match. Savani only kept a good level throughout the match. In Argentina incredible Conte and De Cecco.

I thought excatly the same ?

BTW one of the two italian commentators was Fefè De Giorgi, that next year will be San Giustino coach... and Facundo coach! of course he was so pleased to watch him playing at such an high level ?
After Parodi, also Facuno has been called "a young veteran" by Fefè ?

Speaking of Parodi... today I really miss him ç_ç

Though game against Bulgaria, right ?!

Yeah, good performance by Argentinians (but nothing special) and the worst Italy ever in this tourneament. No reception (except 1st set) and no block with two sets without a single one. Hope Italy will increase his level of play very soon otherwise today's result against the weakest team in the pool (no disrespect) means going home after watching the amazing POL-BUL.

What a public!!! it's magic *__* And therapeutic ?

I missed the second set and the third, but for what I've been watching this match is wonderful!! More than 2 hours and the match hasn't finished yet! A lot of energy from both side of the court!

So lose the whole advantage can only Polish team.

fuck fuck fuck, I had heart attack... waht a horror

I am disappointed by Matey Kaziyski - he didn't play seriously ad the beginning and at the end of the tiebreak. I didn't expect that from him. Congrats to Poland, it is very hard to lose the first match in your arena. I am glad that we fought to the end ?

What a dramma!!! Zbyszek played till the end and returned the ball to the other side with an injury.

Now Gruszka must help us. PIOTREK WE NEED YOU !!!

chrison, i'm wondering too since WL started

Awfull match, only Kurek, Ignaczak and Nowakowski played at good level and still we somehow won, I can't believe we won.

Oh, stop complaining for Zygadlo. He isn't Zagumny or Ricardo. I think he isn't our problem. He had good and bad moments, but don't tell about player who was the best setter in statistics, that he can't play!

oioi, I can't believe either

Ok. Poland won the match and I am delighted. But at the end. It was a match with the lowest level today. Bulgaria and Poland played poorly. I hope that Bartman is not injured because with Jarosz we do not win matches. Kaziyski poorly today, I did not expect such an error at the end of the match. Kurek had no oxygen, he is very tired. Tomorrow might be difficult. Bulgaria is not easily surrender. I think Bulgaria tommorow win with Italy.

Officially: Zbigniew Bartman eliminated from the tournament. Great!

What a game...Full of mistakes but really entertaining.Both teams aren't in their best form but fair victory for Poland.We can't expect from Kaziyski(who's out of form) and Sokolov(what a BEAST) to win our games alone...Good change with Tsvetanov, Todorov wasn't having his best game.Good play by Kurek, Bartman and Nowakowski.And the supporters played their role great ? Congrats Poland !

Edit:Roninho, we are playing with Argentina tomorrow ?

Ok. Very exciting match, but I would say something about Sokolov. With this performance he would be one of the best in the world... Stoychev wouldn't have a big problem who choose to play as a spiker ?

DO NOT EXCUSE KAZIYSKI FROM BEING NOT SERIOUS! HE IS NOT A GOD, HE IS A MAN AND SHOULD LISTEN TO SOME CRITIC!

Did you see his serve at the beginning of the set? Or his face after his first mistake? Only head trauma can explain that, and he has no such thing!

it's the end of the final eight for zbyszek bartman... 2-3 weeks break... i think we should play with ruciak and kubiak as receivers and kurek as oppposite who receives too. but i hope for come back of piotr gruszka, he could be our hero again ?

Yes. We need Piotr Gruszka! I don't know if he ceould play on a highest level- we will see. But now his experience, his calm and some fantastic plays, which he could play is that what we need...

No, I am being rational. Kaziyski had only two strong games in attack in this WL, with average spike efficiency of 44%. Trauma, OK, but I will upload the match for you to see how he approaches the spikes, totally non-serious way. If he show you the finger, would you still consider that he can be excused? You can't be so emotional to defend him from being not serious. I am sorry, but this is not the first match in which I am pissed off. Aleksiev was nowhere in attack despite being over the block most of the time, Matey acted not serious in the tiebreak, spiking bad overall, we can't win with one spiker, that's not serious. You can't have almost 60% reception and have 42% in attack. This is the same percentage like the last game with Russia and we had 15% in reception there! Do you say that 42% is our best possible level, because reception was not excuse today - for no one.

Poor Bartman ?
It was really sad looking at him tring to stand up by his own and not being able too...

Roninho, raylight is right, tomorrow there is Poland-Italy, not Bul-Ita?
I really hope we will play at our best, it's like a final for us, a in-or-out match, so we can't afford to play like in the last two matches...

in my opinion good game by Ivanov, Sokolov, Kurek, Nowakowski and Ignaczak

http://www.sport.pl/siatkowka/1,82669,9906083,Liga_Swiatowa__Kontuzja_Bartmana_prawdopodobnie_wykluczy.html


about Bartman injury

to bulgarian friends, kaziyski is not in best form, but look, he plays non stop in italian league and NT, without a break. he isn't a robot, it's impossible to be in top form all the time. looka at wlazły and winiarski. when lozano was our coach they played all the time too, often after injections. now they have enormous problem and are unable to play in NT again. kaziyski is much stronger, but he can't play excellent in each match. but penchev is going to be a great player in couple years, he can be a new plamen ?

Penchev now should play in the starting line. Aleksiev is average and Penchev although it has good reception.

Alexiev plays good vs strong and powerful teams like Netherlands and Russia and he is not so good against teams like France and Poland, who save a lot

Penchev have good reception,but attack :SSS

oh, yes i forgot to add him? i didn't know Hristo can be a "showman" like that;d where does he plays now? in russian 2nd league or something?

no, he will play in Piacenza

Tsvetanov - Piacenza ? - I don't think so ?

oh sorry I thought Hirsto was Penchev name xD 'cause you were speaking about him ?

comentator said that Tsvetanov plays in some Lokomotiv but I dont know which ?

Lokomotiv Izumrud I think

Interview to Facu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMEBZjs8sbY&feature=player_embedded

I hope that Bulgaria will win and take the 3 points against Argentina and then Italy. We need one final 4 for mental strenght

I hope the opposite ?

BTW, I think that this evening I will feel here like italian players in Sopot xD
sorrounded of Polish! ?

@ raylight
Alexiev plays good vs strong and powerful teams like Netherlands and Russia and he is not so good against teams like France and Poland, who save a lot

LMFAO

Cuba-Russia 0-3 (20-25; 20-25; and guess the last one? 20-25)

...and we are in the semi-final))
yeeeeeeah)))

congratulations Russia ;]

I can't stand with all these referees' mistakes =.=

During the first day they made over 20 mistakes, only a few of them were acceptable (if you can say so). They aren't any better today.

Sometimes I have a feeling they have their own competition.

Yes, about certain kind of errors (example ball touched/not touched by the block) is understandable that the referees can make mistakes, that's why I think volleyball needs replays for a better judgment.
But in these two days they committed a lot of absourd mistake!

Yes, about certain kind of errors (example ball touched/not touched by the block) is understandable that the referees can make mistakes, that's why I think volleyball needs replays for a better judgment.
But in these two days they committed a lot of absourd mistake!

The Nederland refferee(1st ref of Brazil - USA and second of Poland - Bulgaria) is really incompetent...Somebody have to stop him!

Anyway congrats to Russia and Brazil, the first finalists ?

Bartman will have brake for 6 weeks. when starts european champs.? do you think that he will be healthfully for them?

OyeaH......I agree with you..

That guys is a crap referee.......too many mistakes in a short time. !!!

"The Nederland refferee"--> also Fefè De Giorgi, italian commentator, criticized him a lot, and said that he remember him because isn't the first time he saw him working so badly.

I think the match could be different without their terrible mistake on Vissotto's spike (2nd set) on the score of 24-22 for Brazilians . If you looked at the replay the ball hits the block and then the head of Vissotto and finally the lateral rod. It's incredible how the second referee hasn't seen it (it was just under his eyes).
Very poor refereeing, the only bad thing of this event.

Facundo.
I won't never be bored watching him playing. ?
Sooo smart!!

Argentina beating Bulgaria......can someone explain me that?!......


Anyway, my congrats to Argentina, firt time they get to the Semi-finals.... !