Andrey Voronkov is well-prepared for the scenarios in their match against Egypt and focused on putting a solid line-up of players to ensure victory
Gdansk, Poland, September 3, 2014 – Russia outplayed Egypt in straight sets, taking over the top ranking in Pool C of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Ergo Arena on Wednesday.
Egypt captain Saleh Youssef: Russia are very strong but we still managed to play effectively in the first set. Then in the next two sets, they used our mistakes against us and we could not go through with our own serve. In the end, we lost our concentration.”
Egypt coach Ibrahim Fakheldin I: We started with a lot of focus in the game. The first part was very good but then we had problems with our serve and attack. Russia were extremely effective with their block and their serve that really put us in a difficult situation. These two things that made us lose the match.”
Russia captain Sergey Makarov: “We had many problems from the start and we could not stop the Egyptian outside hitter, Ahmed Abelhay, Then we finally managed to cope and suddenly our game was in better shape.”
Russia coach Andrey Voronkov: “It was very significant for us to take the first set. I know very well that Egypt were also determined to make a good start. They showed a very aggressive attitude on court and they had a strong will to win it. Our block and serve were key to distract them. I am aware that I have not done many substitutions in this match but I still have of time to do it. It is just the beginning of the World Championship and I want to start with a solid line-up of players, whom you saw on the court today.”