Alen Pajenk of Slovenia softly touches the Mikasa looking for a place in the Final
Frankfurt am Main, Germany, July 1, 2016 – The decision, which team will win the FIVB World League Group 3 final, will be done between Germany and Slovenia after a straight 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-16) victory of the Vice-European Champion versus Greece on Friday. Best scorer of the match was Mitar Tzourits from Greece who contributed 13 points, on the other side it was Mitja Gasparini with the most points (12).
Their only previous meeting at the World League was last Sunday on 26 June in Thessaloniki, when Greece won 3-1. That was a home match for Greece as the match was played. They also met at the 2009 European Championship, where Greece beat Slovenia 3-1 in the group stage.
The second game of the evening at Fraport Arena was nearly the same way as well as the first one between Germany and Chinese Taipei. The Vice-European Champion kept the control with a real strong service. Especially Mitja Gasparini served the ball very hard to push his team in an outstanding defence position (8-5). Although Greece fought bravely to find a way in the match, the Slovenian Team responded with a well working block-defence system and closed it at 25-22. Long rallies and great block action define the game in the second set. Both teams acted on the highest level while Slovenia had the right answer to lead the second technical time-out with four points (16-12). Middle-blocker Koncilja prevent a comeback and converted the second set ball to 25-20.
Slovenia captain Urnaut is unstoppable in the second set. A smart attack through the block of Greece is his sixth point (22-17).
In the end, the Slovenian team was to strong and earned their spot by improving the performance in the third set again (25-16).