Russia secure a 3-0 victory over Canada in the first match of Pool C in Gdansk
Gdansk, Poland, September 1, 2014 – Dmitriy Muserskiy delivered in offence as Russia outmanoeuvred a persistent Canadian team in straight sets (25-21, 25-19, 25-21) in the opening match of Pool C of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Ergo Arena on Monday.
Key Points
· Russia have won all three encounters with Canada; their last two were won in straight sets.
· The last time these teams met at a big event was at the 2013 FIVB Volleyball World League when Canada beat Russia in a five-set match.
· Dmitriy Muserskiy overwhelmed Canadian defenders in attack and serve.
· Russia regained control in every set when Canada sparked a run.
Russia and Canada were rattled at the start of the first set, scoring on short rallies and struggling on some mistakes that resulted to an early deadlock at 4-all. Canada amazed the spectators with an amazing display of their defence and a solid stance in the middle by Justin Duff and Adam Simac.
Another deadlock ensued at 15-all until Russia no longer allowed Canada to spark a run. The Russian middles defended the net well that switched on the Russian gears to secure the first set 25-21.
Russia took an early lead in the second set, following up their excellent blocking game in the first set. Alexey Spridinov punctured the Canadian defence with his bullet spikes that posed problems for the Canadian side. As Canada continued to struggle on defence, Russia continued with their attack barrage. A powerful middle attack by Dmitriy Muserskiy put the Russians further ahead at 13-8.
Canada finally found a solution to the Russian attack and held down their opponents scoreless for five rallies to tie the score at 13-all. Canada tried to trail Russia closely but did not have enough firepower the tall Russian block. Russia clinched the second set 25-19.
The third set started with a tight contest between the two teams. Russia started to pull away from a powerful serve by Muserskiy and led to a 13-9 advantage.
Canada tried to carry out another run, taking advantage of an erring Russian side that led to another deadlock at 14-all.
Russia managed to break through and raised the lead to 21-16. A service ace by Nikolay Pavlov sealed the set and match victory 25-21.