Sadly, they’re on the EDGE of not making it to the next round.
Here’s what NEEDS to happen tomorrow:
USA must win against Italy in 3 to 4 sets. If they lose and Belgium defeats France in 3-4 sets then USA will most likely GO HOME early. That’d be really sad knowing that they just won the 2014 FIVB World League a few weeks ago.
So far USA has 6 points and ranked 3rd out of 6 teams.
Only the top 4 teams advance to the next round. USA won in 5 versus Belgium (2 pts), lost to Iran in a heartbreaking 5-set match (1 pt) and punished Puerto Rico in straight sets (3 pts).
A few hours ago they lost to Pool D’s top ranked team France (1-3).
Professor X Coach Speraw and Team Captain Iron Man David Lee are very much aware of their current situation in Poland for the ongoing FIVB Men’s World Championship.
After their match versus France, Coach Speraw and David Lee told the media:
David Lee – USA captain: “France played fantastic in almost every aspect of the game, while on our side we mainly struggled with serving and reception. Looking at our points, tomorrow’s match with Italy is a must-win situation. We are looking for consistency, at times we have energy and at times I don’t even recognize us. Here, there is no room for stupid mistakes or misplays with elements that should be automatic.”
John Speraw – USA coach: “It all went wrong because France stopped us with their great game. You need to play as a team; France had that and we hadn’t. Perhaps the World League result was ahead of its time for this team. I’m well aware that we were playing better six weeks ago than now. But here we have a great chance to learn – if we can continue to grow from this experience, we can become a better team. As for France, (Antonin) Rouzier was phenomenal today and I’m really impressed how Kevin (Tillie) developed and matured over the last year.”
Pool D is indeed the Pool Of Death.
Any Thoughts?
May we also add that France has been playing great volleyball so far in this tournament!
(images: FIVB)
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