The first competition day of the WEVZA U16 Women Tournament created expectations to the fans that followed in loco the matches that the “Santa Maria Maior” hall in Viana do Castelo, or also through the federative site www.volei.tv by presenting excellent volleyball matches, with highlight for the Portugal A x Spain, 2-3 (25-22, 14-25, 22-25, 26-24, 13-15). The first set in the Iberic duel was an authentic iron harm and in the end, Jose Miguel Serrato, Spain’s coach acknowledged that “It was a match in which the victory could fallen to either side. These players are still very young and the anxiety may have dictated the result. We played well, but Portugal defended very well and the final result was always an incognita. We will try to improve match to match in a very good tournament for the team’s preparation.
Germany x France (3-1: 18-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-23) was the last match of the day, but did not broke the expectations of the fans, since they had the possibility to watch a excellent volleyball match between two of the strongest teams of the tournament. Jens Tietbohl, Germany’s coach acknowledge “My players were very nervous since it was the first official international match and France plays very well, mainly in the defence. This tournament has a good level, Spain, Portugal A and France seem strong teams and that is very good to prepare for the European U17 Championships that will be played this January”.
In Poule A Switzerland and Netherlands won their first matches in the first day of competition.
Johannes Nowotny, Switzerland’s coach commented on the 3-1 win (25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-21) against Belgium “It’s always good to win and this victory was even more important wince it was achieved in the first international match for these players. Our goal in this tournament it’s to be able to progress match by match and play like today, with a good service, without errors and focused 100%”. After the win against Portugal (3-0: 25-16, 25-17, 25-23) Eelco Beul, Netherland’s coach highlighted that “this tournament has the ideal timing to prepare for the U17 European Championships. It’s well organized and the persons are welcoming. We feel that we have all the conditions to make a good preparation. Our goal is to develop as a team and for that we need to face the best teams. Wining the first match is always important, since there are always much anxiety in the mix and wining always provides an extra dose of confidence”.
All info: WEVZA U16 Girls
All matches live streamed at: VOLEI.TV
