Poland and Germany played one of the most dramatic matches in Group G of the Women's World Championship. After a 2:3 comeback and a real“war of nerves”, the Polish team won after a tie-break with 3:2 and maintained their leading position.

Match flow

• First set: Germany started strong with a stable serve by Lina Alsmeier and attacks by Weitzel and Orthmann. Poland got closer through Stysiak and Czyrniańska, but in the end the Germans closed the set with an ace by Weitzel (21:25).

• Second set: The “Red-Whites” responded with a stronger serve and attack. Stysiak and Łukasik dictated the tempo, and Korneluk was stable in the center. Poland dominated and equalized the score (25:15).

• Third set: Germany once again asserted their will after a series of serves by Alsmeier and successful attacks by Weske and Stigrot. Poland failed to catch up with their opponent – 19:25.

• Fourth set: The Germans were close to final success, but Poland saved set points, and Paulina Damaske and Łukasik turned the tide for 28:26.

• Fifth set: The tension lasted until the last ball. Alsmeier and Stysiak led the battle point for point, but it was Damaske who brought the victory with an ace – 19:17.

Result

Poland – Germany 3:2 (21:25, 25:15, 19:25, 28:26, 19:17)

Line-ups

Stysiak was the big leader with 26 points, but Korneluk (middle blocker, 13 points) and Lukasik also made a strong impression. Damaske came off the bench and decided the match.

Alsmeier was the leader with 19 points and often pulled the team through difficult moments. Germany showed a strong block, but lost the psychological advantage in the fourth game.
The dramatic match was officiated by Ivaylo Ivanov.

photos:volleyballworld.com