This is NOT good for Poland at all.
The 2014 FIVB World Champions lost to Russia in straight sets yesterday in front of their home fans. This defeat makes it MORE difficult for Kubiak and Team to qualify for the Final Round of the World League in Brazil.
Right after the defeat, Poland’s new coach Ferdinando De Giorgi could not hide his disappointment.
“I am very, very disappointed with our performance tonight. We lost in a really bad way in front of our supporters. The match was more than bad and there is no excuse for it. In the first set we had a chance and we tried to fight. For now, the most important thing is to restore our balance and forget about today’s match. Our next goal is the victory on Saturday.”
Middle blocker Mateusz Bieniek confessed he and his team did NOT play their usual level.
“Russia served really well today. Let’s be honest – the rivals did not let us do anything today. This is not how we wanted this to be. We want to say sorry to our fans because they created a fantastic atmosphere in the hall, but we played below our expectations. Everything is in our hands and we want to get to the Final Six.”
As of press time, there are only 2 more matches to go in the final leg of the Intercontinental Round and Poland is ranked 7th. They must now beat Iran and USA to keep their Final 6 dream alive.
Hosts Brazil and France have already qualified. 4 more spots to go!
Let’s not forget that this Russian team is considered as the Team B since all of their BIG STARS like Mikhaylov, Grankin, Muserskiy and Volvich are NOT playing.