Yugoslavia - Poland 3-0

Belo Horizonte, BRAZIL, August 13 (fivb.ch) - Olympic champions Yugoslavia triumphed against Poland in the opening match of the 2002 World Volleyball League final tournament. The opening phase of the first set was very difficult for the Polish national team, who appeared nervous and had considerable problems with their reception. On the other hand, Yugoslavia was almost perfect in service and especially in blocking. The Polish players improved their game during the set with a good serving sequence by Sebastian Swiderski, backed by the efficient performance of the setter Wagner, who came on for Zagumny. But it was not enough and the Yugoslavs closed out 25-20.

Both sides were impressive in blocking in the following set leading to five points for Yugoslavia against three for the Poles. However, Yugoslavia was more consistent in the attack with Miljkovic and Geric on the net. They kept the calm and stayed in control to open up the lead to 2-0.

The loss of the second set, just as they had started to settle seemed to affect the Polish players and their concentration appeared to desert them. Their series of forced errors in the attack ended up giving Yugoslavia the victory and their first two points in this important annual event.