Confident start for the "whites and reds" under the leadership of Nikola Grbic
The Volleyball Nations League started with a bang for the Polish national team, which defeated the Netherlands 3-1 (25:22, 22:25, 25:22, 25:22) in their first match. The match was not without difficulties, but collective play and a brilliant performance by Kevin Sasak led Poland to ultimate success.
The beginning was in favor of the Netherlands \u2013 after an effective block by Luuc van der Ent, the "Oranje" took a 4:2 lead. The Poles, however, did not succumb to the pressure \u2013 with an excellent serve from Rafal Szymura and solid team play, they turned the score to 13:9. The Dutch managed to catch up, but the Polish players kept their cool, and Artur Szalpuk played a key role at the end \u2013 25:22.
In the second set, the Dutch showed they don't give up easily. The game was even until the middle of the set, with Michiel Ahy leading his team with decisive plays. Although the Poles led 15:11 after an ace by Jan Firlej, the "Oranje" equalized at 18:18, and after a block by Michael Parkinson, they secured the set victory \u2013 22:25.
The third set was marked by Kevin Sasak's great performance, as he alternated powerful attacks and relentless serves. Supported by Szalpuk and Por mba, Poland again took the lead \u2013 19:17. Two consecutive aces from Sasak after a timeout by coach Jo l Banks cemented Polish dominance \u2013 25:22.
In the fourth part, the two teams again played point for point, but a series of errors by Bennie Tuinstra tilted the scales in Poland's favor. An ace by Firlej and stable play by Szalpuk and Gier t increased the lead \u2013 21:17. After a long rally and an extended video review, Sasak delivered the decisive blow \u2013 25:22, and Poland won the match 3-1.
Final result:
Poland - Netherlands 3:1
(25:22, 22:25, 25:22, 25:22)
Poland:Szalpuk (19), Szymura (7), Jakubiszak (3), Sasak (19), Por
mba (9), Firlej (3), Graniczny (libero) and Nasewicz, Gier
t (6), Kozub, Nowak (3)
Netherlands: Keemink, Ahy (14), Van Der Ent (11), Koops (18), Tuinstra (15), Parkinson (6), Klok (libero) and Korenblek (3), Meijs, Berkhout, Bak
photo:volleyballworld.com
