Poland became the first team to win the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship title in front of their home fans since Czechoslovakia in 1966
Lausanne, Switzerland, September 21, 2014 – Poland stopped Brazil’s three consecutive title wins, to claim their second ever FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship title in front of their home fans, while Germany’s straight sets victory denied France of a bronze medal on Sunday.
Poland’s 3-1 victory evened the score with Brazil, as the South Americans denied them of the gold in 2006, when they lost 3-0. Now, they have two gold medals and silver medal. Their final victory was their seventh consecutive win, all of which have come in at least four sets. USA was the only team that handed them their only loss in the competition during the second round.
Stephane Antiga guided his team to the title on his first year of being appointed as the coach of Poland.
Germany claimed their second ever medal at the World Championship by beating France 3-0 to claim the bronze medal. Germany’s win was a good recovery after losing in four sets to Poland in the semifinal.
Poland are the second host team to win title – Poland became the second team to achieve a title victory as hosts, after Czechoslovakia won the World Championship title in 1966. Poland’s title drought stood 40 years before they could follow-up with their second title in their home turf, and almost had it in 2006 after suffering defeat from Brazil.
Germany’s favourable alternate results – Germany were favoured in the alternate results pattern in their last seven matches. It was started with a win and ended with a win, courtesy of Gyorgi Grozer, who top scored with 19 points in their 3-0 win over France. This medal finish made them the 11th team with multiple World Championship medals.