Katowice, Poland, 29 June 2001 - Day 4 of the US$15 million 2001 World League finals finished with two five set tie-breakers to determine who would play-off for this years title.

In a rematch of last years Olympic semi-final in Sydney, Italy fought its way back from 2:0 down to take the fifth set tie-breaker 15:12, giving the Italians the opportunity to win an unprecedented ninth World League title.

But the Italians will have to be at their best if they are to defeat the only undefeated team of the finals series, Brazil, who fought a point-for-point marathon with Russia, winning it in the fifth 20:18.

Saturday 30 June - Day 5
Match 111 14:00 3rd place p/off YUG V RUS
Match 112 17:30 Final ITA V BRA

Day 4 - Semi-final Results Semi-final 1. Match No: 109 Italy beat Yugoslavia 3 - 2 (22:25, 19:25, 25:22, 25:22, 15:12 ) - duration 1:56, Match No: 109 27 June, start time: 17:31, end time: 19:27 - Attendance: 5,270

Semi-final 2. Match No: 110 Brazil beat Russia 3 - 1 (25:19, 25:19, 24:26, 23:25, 20:18) - duration 2:13, Match No: 110 27 June, start time: 20:05, end time: 22:18 - Attendance: 5,300

Italy claw back from 0:2 to take Olympic champions in five

Katowice, Poland, 29 June 2001 - In a rematch of last year's Olympic Games semi-final in Sydney, where Yugoslavia put an end to Italy's Olympic aspirations with a 3:0 demolition, Italy today was determined for revenge.

Yugoslavia's twelve member squad featured ten members of its Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medal winning squad, with the starting lineup for this game featuring five (Boskan, Geric, Vujevic and Vusurovic). Missing again for most of the match was setter and captain Nikola Grbic through a strained knee that had plagued him all week. Rajko Jokanovic, who also set the 3:0 Poland win on Wednesday started, but was replaced by the more experienced Grbic on the third when Yugoslavia started to get in touble.

Italy however had only five Sydney Olympians in the World League squad (Mastrangelo, Rosalba, Fei, Giombini and Corsano), with all starting in this match, and it used young Valerio Vermiglio as setter, who had featured so strongly in all of Italy's matches this week.

Italy did not start with the same flair and control as with previous matches, but Yugoslavia, demonstrating the same form as Wednesday, wouldn't let them. Yugoslavia took total control of the match up front, taking the first set to 22, the second to 19. Halfway through the third, it looked liked it was going to be an early night for all. But Italy came back taking the set, and started to slowly control the match. It took the fourth 25:22, and then kept its rhythm to just take the fifth set tie-breaker.

"We were blocked out in the beginning---we couldn't do anything," said Italian captain Lorenzo Bernardi. "For us the change in the game was the long ten minute break after two <2nd set>, but I think all the players of this match should be applauded because it was very hard work," he said. "These two teams always play very good volleyball, even without some players. We played a good match for two and a half sets, but unfortunately we stopped," said Russian captain Nicola Grbic. "The way they started was like the semi-final at the Olympics, "said Italian coach Andrea Anastasi. "But fortunately, from the third set we started to play."

Much to the delight of the Polish crowd, and the appreciation of the players, the game was watched by members of Poland's Montreal 1976 Olympic gold medal winning team (Edward Skorek, Wlodzimierz Sadalski, Zbigniew Zarzycki, Miroslaw Rybaczewski, Zbigniew Lubiejewski, Marek Karbarz, Wlodzimierz Stefanski, and current head coach, Ryszard Bosek, Hubert Wagner ('76 coach), Jerzy Welcz ('76 ass coach) plus Stanislaw Gosciniak and Andrzej Warych ('74 assistant coach) from Poland's 1974 Mexico World Championship winning team.

Starting lineups:

Yugoslavia: (1) Rajko Jokanovic (setter), (6) Slobodan Boskan (OG), (12) Andrija Geric (OG), (13) Goran Vujevic (OG), (14) Ivan Miljkovic (OG), (18) Igor Vusurovic (OG) and (5) Edin Skoric as libero.

Italy: (4) Luigi Mastrangelo (OG), (9) Lorenzo Bernardi (c), (10) Simone Rosalba (OG), (14) Alessandro Fei (OG), (17) Leondino Giombini (OG), Valerio Vermigliio (setter) and (12) Mirko Corsano (OG) as libero.

Brazil's veteran setter Mauricio Lima leads team to final

Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - With the home team now out of the tournament, the Polish supporters got right behind the Brazilian team with the same vigour ---samba, drums, horns and chants making the Brazilians feel right at home.

This was a match of two different styles: the Brazilian speed, control and rhythm, and the Russian power, discipline .and guts. But on this day, it was the Brazilians that had the final answers. Brazil won the first two sets to 19, with the Russians having trouble with the Brazilian's speed in attack.

But Russia, as Russia always does, kept at the Brazilians. Russian setter and captain, Konstantin Ushakov, was dominant. He was getting so high on occasions he was shooting straight flat quicks to Alexei Kazakov and Andrei Egortchev in the centre, with no one to be seen from the Italians. Russia had the first set point in the third, won back by Italy. A disputed call at the net gave set point back to Russia, and then a huge one-on-one stuff by Igor Choulepov (who was also potent in attack) gave Russia the set.

Russia also took the fourth, and another tie-breaker was under way. It was as tight as it can be-11:11 (when Lima was substituted for libero Santos to set), 12:12, 13:13, 14:14, 15:15, 16:16 (Lima back on), 17:17, 18:18, 19:18, and finally, Russia hit it over the back line for a dramatic last set win to Brazil .. just.

Huge power serves and outside hitting was a feature of both teams, but it was a better constructed defence and quicker offence, controlled by Brazil's veteran '92 Olympic gold medal setter Mauricio Lima, that won the day for the Brazilians over the Olympic silver medallists. One of the many wonderful things about watching this Brazilian team is that, even after 100 minutes on the court against the might of Russia, they still have a smile on their faces-they just seem to love their volleyball, and the harder, the better.

Bernardo Rezende, Brazil's articulate coach said of the 21-minute fifth set: "We started thinking more about the game than playing, which brought in too many mistake. Both teams played too much on emotion instead of thinking. When it gets this tight, you need to relax and think."

Starting lineups:

Brazil: (5) Henrique Randow, (6) Mauricio Lima (setter) (7) Gilberto Goody Filho, (9) Andre Nascimento, (12) Nalbert Bitencourt, (13) Gustavo Endres and (10) Sergio Santos as libero.

Russia: (6) Igor Choulepov, (7) Alexei Kazakov, (10) Roman Iakovlev, (11) Konstantin Ushakov (captain and setter), (13) Andrei Egortchev, (16) Ilia Saveliev and (8) Evgueni Mitkov as libero

Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - In an extraordinary turn of events on Day 3 of the US$15 million 2001 World League finals, and the final day of pool matches, Italy, with its eye on a ninth World League title, displayed its technical wizardry to eliminate Cuba, the form team of the first two days of competition, in straight sets 3:0.

And Yugoslavia, who had been all but written-off following lack-lustre form and two consecutive losses on Day 1 and Day 2, showed why they are the Olympic champions with a dominant performance over Poland defeating them in another straight sets victory (the first 3:0 victories in the finals). This gave Yugoslavia a reprieve, and following France's loss in the following match, the last semi-finals berth due to a better sets ratio than France.

"Yugoslavia played like Olympic champions should play," said Poland's captain, Andrzej Stelmach after the match that eliminated the home-team from the World League.

"We played very well today-on the Olympic level. If we play like that all the time we could be in the finals In other matches, Russia had just too big an arsenal for the young Dutch team, and Brazil kept a spirited French assault at bay to finish its pool rounds as the only undefeated team of the finals. The crossover semi-finals start Friday 29 June with Italy v Yugoslavia at 17:30, and Brazil v Russia at 20:05. The losers of the semi-finals playoff for third place on Saturday at 14:00, with the winners progressing to the finals played at 17:30.

Day 3 Results

Game 1. Match No: 105 Russia beat Netherlands 3 - 1 (25:23, 25-19, 15:25, 25:18) - duration 1:33, Match No: 105 27 June, start time: 11:00, end time: 12:33 - Attendance: 4,150

Game 2. Match No: 106 Italy beat Cuba 3 - 0 (25:21, 25:17, 25:22) - duration 1:10, Match No: 106 27 June, start time: 13:05, end time: 14:15 - Attendance: 5,250

Game 3. Match No: 107 Yugoslavia beat Poland 3 - 0 (25:22, 25:22, 25:17) - duration 1:24, Match No: 107 27 June, start time: 17:33, end time: 18:57 - Attendance: 12,100

Game 4. Match No: 104 Brazil beat France 3 - 1 (25:20, 25:13, 22:25, 25:22 ) - duration 1:40, Match No: 108 27 June, start time: 20:05, end time: 21:45 - Attendance: 6,800

Game 1, Day 3

Russia awaits nervously, Netherlands out

Russia beat Netherlands 3 - 1 (25:23, 25-19, 15:25, 25:18) - duration 1:33, Match No: 105

27 June, start time: 11:00, end time: 12:33 - Attendance: 4,150 Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - Russia had just too big an arsenal for the young Dutch team defeating them 3:1 in the first all-important final day of pool matches of the US$15 million 2001 World League finals.

With three consecutive losses--to Russia, Italy and Cuba--The Netherlands has played its last World League match of the year. The tournament will have given the team's new members invaluable experience, but it has given new head coach, Bert Goedkoop plenty to think about in the rebuilding of the team he inherited after the 2000 Olympic Games.

Starting the game ranked third in Pool F behind Cuba and Italy, with one win (v Italy) and one loss (v Cuba), the Russians fortunately will not have to wait too long to know its destiny with Cuba playing Italy immediately following at 13:00.

Game 2, Day 3

Italy and Russia first teams through to semi-finals

Italy beat Cuba 3 - 0 (25:21, 25:17, 25:22) - duration 1:10, Match No: 106

27 June, start time: 13:05, end time: 14:15 - Attendance: 5,250 Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - Tuesday's marathon match against Russia must had its toll on the Cubans, as they were not the same team in its all-important final Pool F match against Italy. They lacked composure and made many unforced errors in both offence and defense. Cuba's coach Gilberto Herrara rotated both Raul Diago and 24-year-old Alain Roca, the star of Cuba's defeat over Russia, constantly during the first two sets, desperately trying to get some rhythm into Cuba's game.

The Italians on the other hand were composed and ready for anything the Cubans could throw at them, taking the first two sets to 21 and 17, and leading the third 7:4 early. Cuba, who yesterday was not only confident on progressing to the semifinals, but of winning the title, all of sudden were facing elimination if they could not win this set.

They immediately won the next five consecutive points. Diago started hitting the spot, splitting the Italian front line for the first time in the match, and the team started to show the focus that won them yesterday's match. But Italy was on a role. It kept its composure and left Cuba, after showing so much promise, wondering what had happened.

"I cannot answer this as I simply do not know," said Cuban captain, Ihosvany Hernandez, when asked after the match to explain how they lost so convincingly.

Italian captain Lorenzo Bernardi knew exactly what the Italians had done.

"It was our tactics to stop the Cuban spikers," he said. The Italian's had done their homework, completely shutting out Angel Dennis, Cuba's highest scorer in the Russian match, and significantly reducing B. Leonel Marshall's previously high success rates.

Cuban coach Gilberto Herrara was full of praise for the Italians, saying: "The Italian team did a really good job today. We couldn't find a way to respond to the way they played."

When asked when Cuba would be able to defeat the Italians, Herrara said: "When we have a much better team, much better than now." But while Cuba was lamenting its lost fortunes, Russia was celebrating. They were to now join Italy in the semi-finals of Friday.

Game 3, Day 3

Yugoslavian precision returns

Yugoslavia beat Poland 3 - 0 (25:22, 25:22, 25:17) - duration 1:24, Match No: 107 27 June, start time: 17:33, end time: 18:57 - Attendance: 12,100

Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - Having lost both of its games leaving it fourth in Pool E, Yugoslavia's only chance at qualifying for the final four was to convincingly defeat Poland, and then hope that Brazil do the same to France, leaving Yugoslavia equal to France on points, but ahead on sets for-and-against.

Italy had just done it to arguably the form-team of the first two days of competition, Cuba, and being the champions they are, Yugoslavia came into the game against home-team Poland, and the biggest, loudest crowd of supporter Spodek has seen to-date, totally focused on the job at hand.

The Polish team gave it everything it had, staying with Yugoslavia at all times, but Yugoslavia, featuring Rajko Jokanovic as starting setter for the first time in the finals, played with a technical precision and intensity not seen in the last two matches. Yugolsavia did what it came to do today--defeat Poland in three sets. The motto of the week: never right of an Olympic champion. End

Game 4, Day 3

Brazil keeps a spirited French assault at bay

Brazil beat France 3 - 1 (25:20, 25:13, 22:25, 25:22 ) - duration 1:40, Match No: 108 27 June, start time: 20:05, end time: 21:45 - Attendance: 6,800

Katowice, Poland, 27 June 2001 - As a result of Yugoslavia's straight-set victory over Poland in the previous match, Brazil entered its final pool match against France in the envious position of knowing it had already qualified for the semi-finals due to a better sets ratio than Yugoslavia.

France however, even though ranked second in the pool after day two, had to defeat Brazil to put itself ahead of Yugoslavia to claim the last semi-final berth.

Knowing Brazil had started slowly in its last two matches, losing both first sets (the only sets it had lost), France came out hard, taking the lead and holding it until the second technical time-out. Unfortunately for France, and unlike Cuba in its match, Brazil quickly gained the beautiful rhythm, speed and technical superiority it had displayed in the past two days and took the first two sets 25:20, 25:13, the second over in 18 minutes, the fastest set in the finals to-date.

France stayed close but behind Brazil in the third until it took the lead at 23:22. France won the next point giving it set point, then an uncharacteristic unforced error by Brazil, when they hit the ball straight into the net, gave France the set.

Brazil moved to an early lead in the fourth, was able to keep a spirited French assault at bay (which took France to 23:21), then won the set and match 25:22, three sets to one.

Olympic champions first team out of final four contention Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - Yugoslavia showed glimpses of last September's gold medal performance in its match against Brazil tonight, but it was too little too late, and following the teams loss to France on Monday, the Olympic champion is the first team with no chance of progressing to the semi-finals, which start Friday.

In other games, Italy defeated a disappointing Netherlands, home-team Poland came back from 2:1 down to defeat France in a fifth set tie-breaker, much to the delight of the near capacity red-and-white crowd, and in the game of the day, Cuba defeated Olympic silver medallists Russia in a five set marathon, both teams displaying exhilarating power and extraordinary skills.

The win has also given the Cubans a belief that they actually can now win the World League title on Saturday. "If we can win that game , we can get the gold." said B. Leonel Marshall, Cuba's star attacker.

Tomorrow (Wednesday 27 June) sees Russia v The Netherlands, Italy v Cuba, Yugoslavia v Poland, and Brazil v France. With final four places still wide open, every game is a must-win for each team, even for Cuba and Brazil, the only two undefeated teams.

Day 2 Results Game 1. Match No: 101 Italy beat Netherlands 3-1 (21:25, 25:16, 25:21, 25:19) - duration 1:33, 26 June, start time: 11:01, end time: 12:34 - Attendance: 3,400

Game 2. Match No: 102 Cuba beat Russia 3 - 2 (27:29, 25:18, 21:25, 25:22, 13:15) - duration 1:53,26 June, start time: 13:05, end time: 15:10 - Attendance: 4,870

Game 3. Match No: 103 Poland beat France 3 - 1 (21:25, 25:22, 19:25, 24:26, 13:15 ) - duration 2:09, 26 June, start time: 17:34, end time: 19:43 - Attendance: 10,100

Game 4. Match No: 104 Brazil beat Yugoslavia 3 - 1 (19:25, 25:15, 25:19, 25:21) - duration 1:32, 26 June, start time: 20:20, end time: 21:52 - Attendance: 6,090

DAY 2 MATCH DESCRIPTIONS FOLLOW

Italy asleep, but still too strong for luckless Dutch

Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - Italy started the first game of Day 2 of the 2001 World League as if they were asleep, allowing the Dutch to move to an early six point lead from which the Italians never recovered.

The Italians marathon against Russia yesterday afternoon had obviously taken its toll, whereas for the Dutch team this was a must-win match following its defeat by Cuba yesterday.

In the second set, the Dutch cause was again not assisted by week setting options by the young, and obviously nervous, Nico Freriks. The 19-year-old was hand-picked by coach Bert Goedkoop out of The Netherlands new junior development program, but entered the World League without having played one first division match.

A third set substitution with the experienced Kars Van Tarel immediately increased the speed and effectiveness of the Dutch offence, but it was not enough, Italy taking the set 25:21, then the third and fourth in quick succession to take the match.

Lorenzo Bernardi, the Italians 32-year-old star of so many of its championships teams, showed his experience and was constantly causing problems for the Dutch defence, finishing with 12 points from 32 attacks.

The Netherlands captain, Reinder Nummerdor, led from the front with 15 points from 27 attacks.

Italy beat Netherlands 3-1 (21:25, 25:16, 25:21, 25:19) - duration 1:33, Match No: 101, 26 June, start time: 11:01, end time: 12:34 - Attendance: 3,400

Young Cuban setter dominant in win over Russia

Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - Cuba saved the first set point in its match today against Russia the only way it knows how: exhilarating power, 198cm Ivan Ruiz launching himself from way-outside (4), driving the ball over the Russian double block, flattening Russia's libero Evgueni Mitkov. Cuba then went on to win the set 27:29.

Both teams then traded the next three sets, 25:18, 21:25 and 25:22, neither team getting an upper hand. Going into the tie-breaker fifth set, it could have easily gone either way.

Russia served, and Cuba finished courtesy of Angel Dennis. Then Pavel Pimienta stuff blocked the Russians for Cuba's second point. Calmed by Russia's ever-present captain Konstantin Ushakov, the Russians immediately won back the next two points.

At 12:11 to Cuba in the fifth, and after such a faultless display by both teams, the unthinkable happened when Russia's Alexei Kazakov served the ball softly into the net. 11:13, 11:14, 12:14, then the rally of the day to get Russia to 13:14. But not even Russia could stop four consecutive attacks from this Cuban team, with B. Leonel Marshall finishing it off in style.

Roman Iakovlev led the Russian team again in attack (22 points) and blocks (3 from 7), and apart from his error in the fifth, Russia's slow but imposing 103kg, 217cm centre blocker, Alexei Kazakov had a strong match putting an end or getting a touch to many a Cuban attack (3 from 18).

Cuba used its triple block in this match, with either 199cm Jorge Hernandez (4 from 7) or 204cm Pavel Pimienta (9 from 20) in the centre. They sealed beautifully and were always effective, but it was kept to a minimum as Russia's captain and agile setter, Konstantin Ushakov was generally too quick for the Cubans, giving his team constant clean attacking options.

Cuba's Angel Dennis, top attacker of the game with 21 points, playing with his shirt sleeves rolled up over his shoulders much to the delight of the female spectators, was spectacular through the centre from the back court, with one memorable point early in the fifth where he drove one at the Russians at close to 110kph.

Like with Russia v Italy yesterday, the setters were the real masters of this match. Cuba's coach Gilberto Herrara made an inspired choice to rest the experienced 34-year-old Raul Diago, putting the game into the hands of 24-year-old Alain Roca. He was brilliant. Assisted by Dennis and Marshall on fire, Roca's control, vision and speed was beautiful to watch and went a long way to winning this game for the Cubans.

The win has also given the Cuban's a belief that they actually can now win the World League title on Saturday. "That game was the most important for me," said Marshall after the match. "If we can win that game Cuba beat Russia 3 - 2 (27:29, 25:18, 21:25, 25:22, 13:15) - duration 1:53, Match No: 102 26 June, start time: 13:05, end time: 15:10 - Attendance: 4,870

France disintergrates as Spodek takes off

Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - "Polska, Polska, Polska" reverberated around 'Spodek' (Polish for flying saucer, as the stadium does look, from the outside, like a giant UFO that has crashed into earth). The red and white army was out in force again this evening to cheer, scream and chant-on its team against the French, and they had lost none of their passion from the previous night.

Even though dropping the second set, the French team looked to have Poland's measure throughout the match. But early in the fourth set the tide seemed to be turning Poland's favour.

Out of the blue Poland won eight of the next ten points, including six in a row to lead France 12:9. The French were visibly starting to unravel with unforced errors entering their game all over the court. The Poles had no intention of letting their supporters down and had a noticeable increase in intensity.

A technical time-out gave the French the time they needed to again compose themselves, and soon they had game and match point. But again, three very quick points by the Poles left France wondering what had happened--one moment they thought they had the match, the next they were serving in a tie-breaker.

The Polish supporters celebrated like their team had just won the gold medal, throwing steamers all over the court.

Looking at the two teams as they walked onto the court for the final fifth, Poland were already on top, and with the supporters help, 'Spodek' was taking off.

France soon focused, but seemed to be taking some 'safe' options at the beginning of the set, and one thing that has definitely been illustrated at this tournament, at this level, is that 'safe' options loose games.

It was soon 11:11, but France looked beaten--by the opposition, the supporters, but mostly, by themselves. They had been the dominant team for probably 80 percent of the match, but now they were disintegrating. At 14:13 to Poland, France called a time out. This had already won them a point at the last three time-outs, but not this time. Poland served, picked up the return, and won the match. "Today we showed Polish character," said Andryej Stelmach, Poland's jubilant captain when asked what he felt was the most important factor in the win. "But most all our play was good in critical moments."

When asked what he thought tomorrow's match against Olympic champions Yugoslavia will be like, Stelmach simply answered "HARD".

Poland beat France 3 - 1 (21:25, 25:22, 19:25, 24;26, 13:15 ) - duration 2:09, Match No: 103 26 June, start time: 17:34, end time: 19:43 - Attendance: 10,100

Brazil Brilliant - Olympic champions out

Katowice, Poland, 26 June 2001 - Yugoslavia showed glimpses of last September's gold medal performance in tonight's match against Brazil, but they were few and far between. In contrast, except for its slow start, Brazil seems in complete control of its game, and is playing with a style and rhythm that just seems to flow.

This style starts with its setters and is the platform of Brazil's game. Tonight they used Mauricio Lima as starter, with Ricardo Garcia from the bench in the first, second and third sets. Yugoslavia had no answer for their fast flat outside sets, particularly Gilberto Godoy Filho who finished the match as Brazils highest scorer with 12 points (from 25).

Bernardo Rezende, Brazil's new head coach, who started with the team only 40 days ago after seven year's with the women's team, did not arrive confident tonight about the team's chances.

"I was actually very worried this morning," Rezende said. "The practice we did this morning was very bad. The players were very flat, and that was how we started tonight's game. Yugoslavia is a very experience team---they are the Olympic champions---but they play a different style of game to us. We have our own style and we have to play to our style, get into our own rhythm.

"We started to make less mistakes and we set very well which meant we could play quicker. Running the offence was OK and we started playing a little better in defence. Then one or two break points with our serve and we started to get more get more confidence. I never felt too comfortable during the match, but we kind of controlled the score from the second set on."

Zoran Gajic, Yugoslavia's head coach, had little to say in defence of the teams two consecutive loses, giving the Olympic champions no chance of making the final four. "We prepared very badly and had a few key players missing," he said. "But I think even if we had prepared better, we would not have beaten this team today."

Brazl beat Yugoslavia 3 - 1 (19:25, 25:15, 25:19, 25:21) - duration 1:32, Match No: 104 26 June, start time: 20:20, end time: 21:52 - Attendance: 6,090

Day 1 of the US$15 million 2001 World League finished Monday evening with wins to Cuba, Brazil, Russia and France.

France's dramatic defeat of Olympic champions, Yugoslavia in a five set thriller was one of the many highlights of the day. An inspired French team, enjoying only its first World League finals, made the most of the opportunity and gave the Olympic champions plenty to thing about if they want to progress to the final four.

Cuba maintained its typically dynamic form to have little trouble disposing of a young and inexperienced Netherlands team, and Italy and Russia fought an extraordinary 2 hour marathon in the afternoon match with Russia prevailing in the tie-breaker fifth set.

But the highlight of day came in the evening when home-team Poland took the first set from in-form Brazil to send the capacity red-and-white crowd of 11,600 into a frenzy. The screams, horns, drums, whistles, and tears, must have left the Brazilians feeling they were back in Rio during Carnivale instead of Katowice, Poland.

Tomorrow (Tuesday 26 June) sees Italy v The Netherlands, Russia v Cuba, which should be the match of the day, Poland v France and Yugoslavia v Brazil, in what is a must win match for Yugoslavia if they are to have any chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

GAME 1 - DAY 1

Cuba gives Dutch a volleyball lesson

Cuba, 1998 World League champions, opened the its 2001 finals campaign, and the opening match of this years World League finals, with a relatively easy win over a new and inexperienced Netherlands team.

Cuba simply outclassed its rivals in all aspects of the match. The 204cm centre blocker, Pavel PIMIENTA, was a dominant force at the net leaving the Dutch to wonder how they were ever going to pass him. Cuba rarely had to resort to a triple block when PIMIENTA was on the front line.

The 22-year-old, 198cm outside hitter, B. Leonel MARSHALL, was typical of the Cuban's natural flair, often defying his height and hitting way over the Dutch block. MARSHALL ended the match as the most valuable player with 27 points.

The Netherlands' strong universal and captain, Reinder NUMMERDOR did all he could to bring some spark back into the Dutch team at the start of the third set, personally taking the first point then acing the Cubans on the next service for The Netherlands to be up 2:0. The Dutch continued to pick up a notch in defence staying with the Cubans to 9:9, but following some more poor attacking options at critical times, particularly in service, almost gave the Cubans the set. It was saved by a late rally that caught the Cubans by surprise just when they thought the first game was theirs. The Netherlands won the set 26:24 and received a temporary stay of execution.

The Cubans came out fighting in the forth and moved immediately into the lead, but the Dutch, buoyed by the last set win, stayed within three points until catching Cuba at 16:16, then 18:18, 20:20, 24:24, the Cubans finally taking a hard fought forth set, and game, 27:25, 3 sets to 1.

Cuba beat Netherlands 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 24-26, 27-25) - duration 1:41 25-Jun, start time: 11:03, end time: 12:44 - Attendance: 3,200

GAME 2 - DAY 1

France defeat Olympic champions in five set thriller

An inspired French team, enjoying only its first World League finals, created a major upset in the second match of Day 1 by defeating Olympic Champions, Yugoslavia in a five set thriller (25:18, 31:33, 26:28, 25:21, 11:15).

They say in France at the moment that this new team can beat anyone on its day, and today, they proved it.

Disappointed by not qualifying for last years Olympic Games, France set themselves a goal to always be in the top four this year. There is still a long way to go in this tournament with both Brazil and home team Poland to face, but on the strength of today's match, France could be the surprise semi-finalists.

Yugoslavia started strongly winning the first set with ease 25:18, but this only seemed to inspire the French who came out aggressively in the second and moved to a 8:4 early lead.

Through a powerful well-structured offence, Yugoslavia fought its way back to take the lead at 17:16, but France sensed this was its opportunity and took it to the Olympic champions. France had the first set point, saved another, then another, and another before Laurent CHAMBERTIN, the strongly built Dreadlocked setter, picked up a difficult ball and placed it sweetly for Dominique DAQUIN out of position six, who then sent the ball rocketing through the Yugoslav wall. It was a turning point in the match and earnt the French a well deserved set 33:31.

This opened the floodgates for the French who as-one played inspired volleyball. The following two sets followed by a tie-breaker kept everyone on their seats as the lead changed constantly. The French taking set three (28:26), Yugoslavia set four (25:21), the French clinching the historic victory in a sometimes explosive tie-breaker (15:11).

You can tell by the look on the player's faces; the French have not just come for the experience; they have tasted sweet success early in the tournament and firmly believe it is their time.

France beat Yugoslavia 3-2 (18-25, 33-31, 28-26, 21-25, 15-11) - duration 2:03 25-Jun, start time: 13:21, end time: 15:24 - Attendance: 3,450

GAME 3 - DAY 1

Russia take Italy in five

Game 3 of Day 1 of the 2001 World League finals between men's volleyball powerhouses, Italy and Russia, shaped up as one of the games of the tournament, and did not disappoint.

Both teams had points to prove after, what was for them, disappointing results at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Italy went to the Games as favourites to win its first Olympic title, but again had to settle for a minor placing finishing with a bronze medal. Russia dominated the early rounds of the Games and felt confident of returning to former glories entering the gold medal playoff against Yugoslavia. The loss was defastating for many of the older players who knew it was their last chance.

Both teams are in a rebuilding phase, but unlike The Netherlands that is not a touch on the team that won the 1996 Olympic gold medal, you would hardly notice a difference in these two due to the seemingly endless depth in both countries.

The sold-out audience at Spodek Stadium, Katowice witnessed volleyball at its best. Both teams trading point-for-point with a display of powerful, skillful and extraordinarily quick volleyball.

After three long sets lasting close to ninety minutes, only two points separated the teams (24:26, 28:26, 26:24), but it was Russia that won the decisive match points in the second and third sets to lead 2:1.

Strategies were what this game was about -- from Italy's use of a two-passer system on reception (Lorenzo BERNARDI and libero Mirko CORSANO), to Russia's offensive systems, but the real battle in this game was not between the power players, it was between the setters. This game was a setter's delight with three of the world's best in Russia's Ushakov KONSTANTIN and Roman ARKHIPOV, and Italy's Valerio VERMIGLIO playing a game of chess, but with beautifully soft hands, and deadly accuracy.

Russia beat Italy 3-2 (24-26, 28-26, 26-24, 18-25, 15-13) - duration 2:01 25-Jun, start time: 17:37, end time: 19:38 - Attendance: 8,800

GAME 4 - DAY 1

Brazil's cool head won the match

The lights go out. The already fever-pitched crowd rise as one. What follows is straight out of a Hollywood promoters dream-book. The stereo system is turned WAY up, but it is only background music to the deafening screams, and horns, and drums, and whistles, and tears, of the audience. Laser lights start flashing around the stadium and you notice the faces, the clothes, the flags, the cheerleaders, everything---is painted red and white.

Then come the team introductions ....... The spectators even started their own countdown for the first serve! If you thought the Poles were the quiet, reserved type, you have never been to Spodek Stadium when their national men's volleyball team is playing.

Ryszard BOSEK, Poland's straight-faced no-nonsense head coach said that its supporters are "like one additional player".

He underestimated -- Poland took the first set against an in-form Brazil 26:24. I won't even attempt to describe the atmosphere in the stadium by this stage. You simply wouldn't believe it.

Bosek was concerned however that the pressure may makes the team "forget that it should be a tactical game". He need not have worried. This team, which originated from Poland's 1996 European Junior and 1997 World Junior Champions, is good.

Even though finally going down to an impressive Brazilian outfit in four, they could have easily won the third and it would have been a very different story.

Today, Brazil's cool head won the match, but the Polish people won me.

Brazil beat Poland 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 28-26, 25-18) - duration 1:58 25-Jun, start time: 20:18, end time: 22:16 - Attendance: 11,500

Katowice, Poland, 25 June 2001 - Sixteen teams have already contested 96 matches in 40 cities across 16 countries through May and June. Eight survive to fight for the record US15 million dollars in prize money, and the title of 2001 World League Champions.

The Netherlands, 1996 Olympic gold medallists, featuring a new and revitalised young team, opens the tournament today at 11:00hrs against the ever-dynamic Cubans. Cuba, 1998 World League champions, with only two losses in the preliminary rounds from 12 matches including three consecutive crushing defeats of Olympic champions, Yugoslavia (3-0, 3-1, 3-0), has shown it is one of the favourites for this years title.

France, competing in its first World League finals, has an introduction of fire when in the second match of the day it takes on newly crowned Olympic champions, Yugoslavia. Even though weekend by the loss through injury of Olympic star, Vladimir GRBIC, Yugoslavia is determined to show the world that its spectacular performance against all expectations in September last year was not a flash-in-the-pan.

The third match between last years Olympic silver medallists, Russia, and defending World League champions and perpetual Olympic bridesmaids, Italy, shapes up as the match of the round with both teams determined to improve on their results of last September. But the final match of the day is the one everyone in Katowice is waiting for, and the young and relatively inexperienced Poland will need all the home-town advantage they can get from the capacity crowd of 11,820 at Spodek Stadium when they take on an in-form Brazil.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, 19 June 2001 - The Netherlands and Cuba will clash in the opening match of Pool F in the 15 Million US$ 2001 World League Final in Katowice, Poland, next Monday (June 25).

Olympic Champion, Yugoslavia and newcomer France, will face each other in the second game of the day to start off the Pool E competition.

In the late afternoon session, defending and eight-time World League champion, Italy will meet Russia in Pool F, whilst host country Poland, will meet Brazil in Pool E to finish up the first day of the tournament.

The pool compositions have been established according to the serpentine system, following the FIVB world ranking as at 15 April 2001 with Poland, host country and Italy, No.1 world ranked team as top seeds in Pool E and F respectively.

Pool Composition

Pool E Pool F

POL ITA
YUG RUS
BRA CUB
FRA NED

25 June

11:00 Match 97 - NED v CUB
13:00 Match 98 - YUG v FRA
17:35 Match 99 - ITA v RUS
20:05 Match 100 - POL v BRA

26 June

11:00 Match 101 - ITA v NED
13:00 Match 102 - RUS v CUB
17:30 Match 103 - POL v FRA
20:05 Match 104 - YUG v BRA

27 June

11:00 Match 105 - RUS v NED
13:00 Match 106 - CUB v ITA
17:30 Match 107 - POL v YUG
20:05 Match 108 - BRA v FRA

The first two teams in each pool will qualify for the semi-finals.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 18 2001 - The final week of qualifying for the $15 million FIVB World League promised shocks and surprises, and it certainly delivered, with defeat for defending champions Italy; Poland beating Russia in St Petersburg to secure qualification; and Venezuela dealing two defeats to Greece to end their hopes of qualifying; while the Netherlands snatched qualification out of the grasp of the United States.

The finals of the 2001 FIVB World League will be staged later this month in Katowice, Poland. The eight competing nations, determined after six weeks of home-and-away double-header matches between 16 teams, will be: Italy and France from Pool A; Russia and Poland from Pool B; Cuba and Yugoslavia from Pool C; and Brazil and the Netherlands from Pool D.

In St Petersburg, with qualification assured, the Russian coaches opted to blood some reserve players for the second match of the weekend, having won the first. This gave Poland the opportunity they needed, and with David Murek dominating service and attack, scoring 20 points in the match overall, including four blocks, they managed to win a thrilling five-setter.

But the Poles only managed automatic qualification thanks to early leaders of their group, Greece, suffering their fourth and fifth consecutive defeats of the tournament, going down twice at home to the group's bottom team, Venezuela.

No one is unbeatable in the World League: even Cuba managed to end the qualification stage with two four-set defeats to Olympic champions Yugoslavia. This was volleyball of the highest level, with long, riveting rallies, with Zoran Gajic, the Yugoslav coach, even employing three setters in his line-up during the game. Any re-match in Katowice could be a thriller.

In Orleans, a thrilling five-set victory over Italy saw the French slide into the finals, ahead of group rivals Spain.

In Amsterdam, it was the Dutch hosts who responded best to the high pressure of their decisive match against the United States, Richard Schuil top scoring for the hosts with 12 points in an often nervy contest. "There was too much pressure," Thomas Hoff, the Americans' captain said. "The Netherlands were prepared to handle the pressure at this level."

The best players of the Intercontinental Round according to Volleyball Information System (VIS) statistics were as follows:

Best Scorer - GOMEZ Ernardo (VEN)
Best Spiker - IAKOVLEV Roman (RUS)
Best Blocker - PIMIENTA Allen Pavel (CUB)
Best Server - GRANVORKA Frantz (FRA)
Best Digger - KOOISTRA Joost (NED)
Best Setter - VERMIGLIO Valerio (ITA)
Best Receiver - CORSANO Mirko (ITA)