Serbia&Montenegro - Russia 3-1

Leipzig, GERMANY, August 7 (www.volleyball2003.de) - 4.500 enthusiastic spectators followed world-class volleyball at Arena Leipzig. In one of the top matches of the Men's Volleyball European Championship defending champion Serbia&Montenegro defeated World runner-up Russia 3:1 (25:21, 21:25, 25:23, 25:15).

After Serbia&Montenegro took the lead in the beginning of the first set, Russia came back with good actions and a hard fight ensued. The players impressively demonstrated their high level of performance. Nikola Grbic used all the tricks of a world-class setter and led his team-mates from Serbia&Montenegro to take the first set 25:21.

The teams continued on this high level of performance in the second set, too. However, the Russian team took the lead to 16:15 at the first technical time-out. The block acted like a wall and the defence covered even the smallest spot on court. Alexei Kazakov killed the second set ball to the score of 25:21. The third set began as spectacular as the previous had ended. However, the team from Serbia&Montenegro fought hard and therefore went into the first technical time-out with 8:4. But the Russians put up a great fight before having to bow 23:25. Serbia&Montengro demonstrated their sovereignty very impressively in the fourth set. They convinced with variable attacks, a consequent defence as well as strong serve. The final score of 25:15 underlines the fact that Serbia&Montenegro is playing in a higher league that his opponents.

After the match

"It was a tough match. However, it is important not to get distracted after this victory, we need to stay focussed. I don't really care about our opponent in the semi-final. Our priority is to defeat them but I think that the teams will either be Italy, France or Germany" (Serbia-Montenegro's head coach Ljubomir Travica).

"I'm satisfied. Psychologically this victory is very important for us because it gives us further motivation for the upcoming matches" (Serbia-Montenegro's captain Nikola Grbic).

"Our opponent deserved the victory. My team has not shown its real potential. Especially our performance in the defence was very poor. Without a good defence you simply cannot beat Serbia&Montenegro. Additionally, our attack and serve were bad, too" (Russia's head coach Gennadi Chipouline).

"The team from Serbia&Montenegro has shown a very good performance. We have to draw our conclusions from this match and have to make some changes" (Russia's captain Vadim Khamouttskikh).

Serbia&Montenegro - Bulgaria 3-0

Leipzig, GERMANY, August 6 (www.volleyball2003.de) - Both teams showed volleyball on a very high level during the top match at Arena Leipzig. Titleholders Serbia & Montenegro defeats Bulgaria 3:0 (25:22, 25:19, 25:18) in front of 3000 enthusiastic fans.

The rallies were characterised by variable setting (especially by Nikola Grbic), flexible attacks and strong blocks. In the end the titleholders gave proof of their excellent skills and decided the first set in their favour with 25:22.

The second set was again dominated by the team from Serbia&Montengro. Soon they were ahead 14:7. Bulgaria found no means to compete against the powerful attacks and blocks of the opponent.

Both teams continued on the high level of performance throughout the third set. Serbia&Montenegro again impressed with their combinations in attack and an almost unbeatable block. The defending champion won the second match of the European Championship 25:18 in the third set.

Serbia&Montenegro - Netherlands 3-1

Leipzig, GERMANY, August 5 (www.volleyball2003.de) - In the beginning of the first set especially the Dutch team showed an impressive fighting spirit. This is why Serbia&Montenegro went into the first technical time-out leading by one point only. Despite numerous service mistakes of the Dutch team, Serbia&Montenegro was not able to broaden the gap at the second technical time-out (16:13). With a strong block and service of captain Reinder Nummerdor as well as a little bit of luck the Dutch team caught up again and stayed in touch with defending champion until the end. Both teams fought very hard and several set points remained unused. In the end the experience of the Olympic champion decided when they scored the fourth set ball at 30:28.

In the second set the Dutch team was not intimidated by the "big name" of their opponent and went to the first technical time out with 8:5. This time, the Dutch took revenge for the first set and went into the second technical time with a 16:13-lead. At 18:22 head coach of Serbia&Montenegro, Ljubomir Travica, called a further time out. However, the Netherlands created a sensation and brought the set home 25:21.

After a 8:8-score Serbia&Montenegro took off clearly in the third set. The Dutch team put up a great fight in order to catch up again. However, they failed to grasp their chances. The Netherlands lost 22:25.

At the beginning of the fourth set both teams showed a equally strong performance. Serbia&Montenegro capitalised on the mistakes of the Dutch team and increased their lead. With their strong attacking skills Serbia&Montenegro gave proof of their high level of performance. Eventually, Serbia&Montenegro won the set with 25:18.