US break Poland's winning volleyball streak
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
11.09.2014 11:14
Poland suffered their first loss of the World Volleyball Championships on Wednesday evening with the US beating the hosts 3-1 in Lodz.
Mateusz Mika of Poland tries to get a ball past Paul Lotman and Maxwell Hol
Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Michalowski
The opening match of the second round was a tightly fought clash, with the guests taking the first set 29-27 and the second 25-22, before Poland bounced back to win the third 27-27.
However, the US managed to wrap up the match in the fourth set, winning 25-23.
“We didn't have any luck in one or two moments, but it must be stressed that the Americans defended very well and were extremely effective in counterattack,” Polish captain Michal Winiarski said after the match.
“We fought, and the better team won,” he conceded.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk (L) with chairman of the Polish Volleyball Association Mirosław Przedpełski. Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Michalowski
“I knew that this team [US] was capable of playing a very good game,” Polish coach Stephane Antiga said.
He added that Poland must now focus on Thursday's game against Italy.
“Some changes will be made for Thursday's match, but I cannot reveal what at the moment,” he added.
Only 3 sides from Poland's 8-team second round Group E will advance further in the tournament. (nh)
Source: IAR