World League 2003, Pool C, Week 2
Game 2: Netherlands - Serbia-Montenegro 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 32-30, 25-22)
Eindhoven, NETHERLANDS, May 25 - From the start of the match the Dutch kept up the pressure on Serbia and Montenegro and with strong serving and successfully blocking they took three set points. The visitors fended off the attack until newcomer Bontje finished for the Netherlands.
The Dutch held on in the second set and the teams leveled at 14-14 before they lost their rhythm and Serbia and Montenegro snatched the advantage, scored three quick points and went on to equalize at 1-set all.
Guests had a 2-6 lead in the third set. Then the Dutch counterattacked and Nummerdor, well supported by his teammates, equalized at 16-16. In a thrilling climax to the set, the Netherlands turned up the heat, surviving seven set points, before Schuil and Nummerdor stepped up and put the Dutch in front.
One set in front, the Netherlands were fired up and inspired. They combined good blocking and serving to clinch the victory.
Game 1: Serbia-Montenegro - Netherlands 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18)
Eindhoven, NETHERLANDS, May 24 - The Dutch team looked confident in the opening set. Netherlands continued to look strong in the opening phase of the second set, creating some problems for Serbia and Montenegro to get back into the set. But when the Olympic Champions took the 9-8 lead, they also began to control the game.
The Dutch were unable to control the spiking of key players like Vladimir Grbic and Goran Vujevic. Guests were also the better team in the third set.
Serbia-Montenegro's captain Nikola Grbic was well supported by his other star players in the fourth set and they were on top with serving and spiking.
