Slovenia's Alen Pajenk hits above the block of Qatar's John Chigbo.
Thessaloniki, Greece, June 24, 2016 - Slovenia remained undefeated in Group 3 of the FIVB World League, after a clean sweep of Qatar 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) to get one foot through the door for the Group 3 Final Four, to be played next weekend in Frankfurt.
In their second meeting at a major tournament Qatar failed to take revenge after last week's four set loss to Slovenia. Slovenians extend their winning streak to four victories.
Mitja Gasparini with 13 points plus Tine Urnaut and Klemen Cebulj with 12 each provided a wide range of solutions for Slovenia, who pressured the Asian side with their serving. Qatar's reception was restricted to just 35%, compared to 72% for Slovenia.
Qatar put up a brave fight in the first set, all the way until 21-21, after which Slovenia broke away to take the lead and keep the pace for the final win.
Qatar coach Roberto Piazza tried to change the flow of the game in the second and third sets, bringing on subs off the bench, but the European championship silver medalists just proved too much. Slovenia managed to reach first TTO with a 8-7, with Qatar staying close throughout the set at 16-14. Slovenia stretches the gap to 18-14 and 21-16, taking the set with 25-18.
Slovenia goes 8-6 ahead at the first TTO again, this time extending the lead to 11-6. Qatar tried to chase the score, but Slovenia sealed the deal with confidence 25-20.