European Golden League-2023. Group stage. Group B
2nd round Lodz, Poland (Łódź Sport Arena)
May 31 (Wednesday)
Ukraine - Croatia - 3:0 (25:19, 25:18, 25:19)
The starting line-up of the National team of Ukraine: Tupchii (scored 14 points), Shchytkov (1), Semeniuk (11), Teromenko (11), Kovalov (9), Plotnytskyi (13), Kanaiev (l), Boiko (l). Substitutes: Shchurov (0), Drozd (0).
The important meeting started with an even game (5:5), but an error on the Croats' serve and an ace by Vasyl Tupchii put the "blue-yellows" ahead (7:5). Then the advantage of the Ukrainian volleyball players grew (16:13). In general, in the opening set, the Ukrainians dominated the opponent on the block (4 against 1), in terms of aces (2) and in the percentage of attacks (48% against 38%). As a result - 25:19.
In the second set, Cedric Enar's team tried to impose their game (2:4), but the Ukrainians quickly stopped these attempts (4:4 - 8:5). The team of Uģis Krastiņš demonstrated high-quality and fast-moving volleyball. Spectators of "Łódź Arena" saw blocks, an excellent game in defense, aces, and incredible rallies (16:11). For their part, the Croats looked very confused, Cedric Enar's timeouts did not work and in the end, another set ended in favor of Ukraine - 25:18. As in the first set, Illia Kovalov has put an end to it with his attack.
In the third set, the Croatians also did not play well. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian volleyball players were in high spirits and caught the courage, with the applause of the fans and the sounds of the "Chervona Kalyna" they went to an "easy" victory in this match. The match ended with two powerful aces of the opposite Vasyl Tupchii, 25:15 and 3-0 in the end!
Let's add that the most effective player in this meeting was the opposite Vasyl Tupchii (14 points).
For the Ukrainians, this is already the second victory in a row. On May 27, they defeated North Macedonia (3:0). Our team continues to lead the standings of Group B.
The Ukrainians will play their next match on June 3 at 21:00 Kyiv time. Our national team will play against Belgium. The match will take place in the Belgian city of Beveren.
