Mistakes Ruined the Day

Fred Winters back row attack (Photo: Marcelo Rizzo)

Team Poland gave Canada no chance this afternoon in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, in the first day of the third World League stop. The Poles won in straight sets (25-20, 25-20, 25-18). While Poland gave 13 points, Team Canada had 23 errors, almost a set given to the Polish squad. Canada’s head coach Glenn Hoag was upset. “It’s hard to see when the other team overbumps and you let the ball drop, for example. We served poorly, were really bad in execution, and made a lot of unforced errors. I hope we play better against Brazil”, said Hoag. Canada takes on Brazil this Saturday at 8:50 a.m. EST. Team Canada has a 2-5 record in the tournament. The Poles defeated the Canadians three times.

Left side and captain Fred Winters remarked that these errors killed Canada’s chances. “We played in a good level until the second technical timeout of each set, but a volleyball match is always decided in the second half. We made a lot of mistakes and helped the Polish, their experience made the difference, they showed us how to play in a good level”.

Poland’s head coach, Andrea Anastasi, observed Canada is still gaining experience. Brazil’s head coach, Bernardo Rezende, pointed earlier that Team Canada is very strong physically and said the opposite Gavin Schmitt will require special attention from Brazil’s block and defense.

Earlier today Brazil beat Finland also in three (25-21, 25-22, 25-9).

The 2012 World League has 16 teams split in four pools. The finals will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, July 4-8 with six teams: The host, the four pool winners and the best second place.

You can follow the WL matches on http://www.sportlemon.tv/.