The German volleyball gamers are “very near the Olympic ticket” – Muricas News

In the event you lose 1:3 in volleyball and nonetheless see the sport as a hit, that claims rather a lot. On the one hand in regards to the opponents and alternatively in regards to the course of the sport. That’s the way it was with the German volleyball gamers on Wednesday night after they fought a hard-fought duel towards Poland within the quarter-finals of the Nations League.

The opponents are thought of favorites for the title and in addition appeared assured on Wednesday. However the German volleyball gamers didn’t let that unsettle them and even gained a set. Nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient for a win and they also misplaced 1:3 (12:25, 25:21, 21:25, 24:26) out of.

“After all we’re disillusioned,” mentioned nationwide coach Very important Heynen after the sport, however he additionally rapidly discovered constructive phrases. “It’s a course of. We’ve made big strides, you possibly can see that.” The group had already failed in the principle spherical on account of Poland, however they had been nonetheless in a position to pressure a tie-break. It wasn’t sufficient this time. The group struggled to get into the sport and left room for enchancment, particularly in assault and blocking.

For the German nationwide group, it's the first participation within the remaining spherical of the Nations League since 2009, wherein the highest eight groups on the planet compete towards one another. “We’re actually proud and have grown collectively as a group,” Libera and captain Anna Pogany say on the cellphone. “We’ve improved from sport to sport and might depend on one another.”

Success attracts consideration at residence

Participant Pia Kästner can also be pleased in regards to the success. “We're pleased with what we have now achieved in such a short while.” Your group was in a position to acquire loads of match follow and expertise, particularly within the matches towards troublesome opponents. It was under no circumstances foreseeable earlier than the event that her group would shine internationally this yr. The preparation time was brief, plus there have been some modifications within the squad. The gamers additionally struggled with jet lag because of the many long-haul flights.

The success additionally attracted rising consideration at residence. “There may be loads of constructive suggestions and I get loads of messages and congratulations,” says Pogany. Your group now has a while to recuperate from the hardships of the previous 5 weeks. A complete of 13 video games had been scheduled for the Nations League. Essential factors for the world rankings had been awarded there, which may be decisive for the Olympic qualification for Paris 2024. The ladies are at the moment in eleventh place.

“When it comes to Olympic qualification, it’s an excellent step,” says Pogany. Her group now is aware of they will win towards nations just like the Dominican Republic and Holland. “That offers me braveness for the approaching yr. We are actually very near the Olympic ticket and need to enhance additional.” The group that may name up their performances most persistently qualifies for the Olympics ultimately. “It’s an enormous dream for everybody.”

However now there's a break earlier than the European Championship begins on August fifteenth, which will probably be held in Germany, amongst different locations. There, the German volleyball gamers need to take the following step in the direction of Paris.