Canada stamped its class over Germany, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21, to register its second win in the Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday, June 20.
Outside hitter Stephen Timothy and opposite Arthur Szwarc delivered 15 points each for the Canadians, who beat crowd-favorite Japan, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10, in the opener on Tuesday, June 18.
Canada, currently no. 9 in the world, improved its win-loss record to 6-4, boosting its bid to make it to the final phase, which will be held in Lodz, Poland from June 27 to 30. Only the Top 7 teams in the preliminary phase will advance.
“I think we did a good job in serving and passing today. Our team had pretty flawless volleyball. Germany fought the good fight at the end, but we handled it really well, so I’m for the team,” the 6-foot-8 Maar said after the one-hour and 38-minute match.
The 6-foot-10 Szwarc had 11 attacks, two blocks and two service aces, while outside hitter Eric Loeppky chipped in 10 kills and one service ace.
“It was very important to win against Japan and now Germany. We had our ups and downs, but we managed to get this win,” commented Luke Herr, who made 16 excellent sets.
“All of our guys were on fire today, and as a setter, that’s great to see. We played strong volleyball for most of the match, although we relaxed a bit towards the end. Fortunately, we regained our focus and secured the win,” he added.
The Olympics-bound Canadians raced to a 15-6 lead in the third set. While the Germans managed to move within 11-15, Szwarc and Lucas Van Berkel took charge for the Canadians, who sustained their momentum to preserve the win.
Moritz Karlitzek finished with 12 attacks and one service ace for Germany, which fell to 4-6.
Canada will try to win its game against Brazil, while Germany will face the USA at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22.
Meanwhile, Iran survived the Netherlands, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-10, in the other match.
Amin Esmaeilnezhad led Iran with 29 points on 25 attacks, three blocks and a service ace, while Poriya Hossein Firouzjah added 27 points, including 23 attacks for the Iranians, who pulled off a 26-28, 25-23, 25-18, 26-28, 15-13 victory over the USA last Wednesday, June 19.
Iran, which is out of the finals phase race, has a 2-8 slate, while the Netherlands has a 3-7 card.
“It was great. The atmosphere. We’re really so excited to play in one of the best countries for volleyball. For the fans, you know, it’s great. It [was] a great experience for us. And I hope, all season, all year, they follow volleyball,” Milad said after the two-hour and 16-minute encounter. (PNA)