Men´s Olympic Qualification Düsseldorf: Germany one step away from Beijing
The top match of the day between Cuba and Germany – and also one of the most important matches of the tournament – was a real thriller. After loosing the first two sets host Germany came back with a great performance and, supported by more than 4,100 fans, forced Cuba to play five sets. In the tie-break the host was the team with the better nerves and may now continue to dream of an Olympic participation.
Germany started with Markus Böhme to serve and the frenetic fans cheered „Germany, Germany“ form the first rally on. Schöps served an ace and Cuba failed (1-3). Germany blocked two Cuban spikes (2-5) and after Marcus Popp served another service winner Samuels Orlando Blackwood requested a time out (2-6). The Cubans got nervous, Hübner served one more service winner and the German team was leading by 5 points at the first technical time-out (3-8). From that point on both teams scored equally (6-11) until the Cubans caught up after a poor reception of Steuerwald and two failed attacks (9-11). Stelian Moculescu requested a time-out. It didn’t help (11-11), the Germans acted very nervous and the head coach called for the next time-out (12-11) and substituted setter Tischer by Dehne. Böhme’s strong service helped his team to equalize (14-14) and at 14-15 they took back the lead. Dehne played via Schöps a lot and he killed the balls (18-19). A great attack of Sanchez caused the lead for Cuba (21-20). Popp’s float serve confused the Cuban reception, Germany equalled at 23-23. Time-out Cuba and set ball for Cuba after the German block failed. However Germany defended one set ball, Leal succeeded against the German block and finished the first set (26-24).
The experienced Ralph Bergmann replaced the young Böhmen and Tischer came back to set. Simon served an ace and Cuba took the lead (3-1). The German team started to make mistakes, while Cuba was successful even in difficult situations (8-4). Again it was Schöps to score a big point (11-8) and Popp to react quickly (11-9) but it was never enough to equalize (16-11). At 19-13 Stelian Moculescu requested a time-out to remind his players of their skills but they could not catch up, the Cubans still scored the big points (21-15). And when Hübner killed a fast ball the Cuban coach requested a time-out (21-17). Although Schöps served well the host even went away to 23-18. When Kromm failed with his service Cuba had several set balls (24-20). Hübner defended the first one with a fast attack (24-21) but when it was his time to serve, he lost his nerve (25-21).
The 4,120 spectators craved for the “wonder of Düsseldorf” – there were still three sets to go. In the third set it was Dehne’s job to set. But a misunderstanding caused an early Cuban lead (4-1) and Stelian Moculescu reacted with a time-out. Popp served an ace and the German block killed the opponent’s attack (4-4). After an equal score until 6-6 the Cuban team benefited from a misunderstanding of their opponents (8-6). This time the host remained cool (9-9) but didn’t manage to take the lead (13-13 and 14-13). The German team was always close to catching up, but the important points – again – were scored by the young Cuban team (16-14). Björn Andrae served an ace and Bergmann blocked Leal: 17-17 and time-out Cuba. Both teams knew about the importance of this part of the set (20-20). Finally, Kromm served and ace (20-21), Schöps killed the ball, Kromm served another ace and Bergmann blocked: set ball Germany (20-24). Cuba defended the first one, Hübner killed the second without mercy (25-21).
The thriller continued. None of the teams was able to take the lead since they took their chances in powerful services (4-4 and 6-6) but then two Cubans scored two block points (8-6). Bergmann killed an amazing fast attack but the Germans were powerless the Cuban middle spikers, who scored again and again (10-8). The Germans caught up several times but never managed to take the lead until they decided one of the most thrilling rallies of the match in their favour (12-13). The Cubans started to get nervous and were forced to request a time-out (12-15). In front of the frenetic spectators Popp served an ace (12-16). Hübner killed a poor pass of the Cubans and killed an attack with his amazing block (12-18). The Germans demanded for the tie-break: 12-19 and time-out for Cuba. It worked, the team scored three points in a row and Stelian Moculescu reacted with a time-out (15-19). This time they kept their nerve (17-24). Bergmann was the lucky one to kill the second set ball and enforce the tie-break (18-25).
The Germans celebrated every single point but the Cubans were not willing to give in (2-2). Again both teams risked a lot in service but the Germans were the luckier ones: 3-5 and time-out Cuba. The Cubans made too many mistakes while the Germans remained focused (4-7 and 5-8). Popp acted clever and Germany remained in the leading position (6-10) but them struggled a little (8-10) and Cuba equalized with two aces (10-10). Popp was the man to score the very important 10-11. At 11-12 Andrae was substituted by Pampel who killed an almost impossible ball (11-13). The Cubans lost their nerves in a long rally and hit out: match ball Germany (12-14). Hübner hit his service out but one match ball remained (13-14). Schöps was the one to kill this ball (13-15).
Cuba – Germany quotes
Robertlandy Simon (captain Cuba): I think we saw a very good match today. We fought until the end but were not able to defeat this strong German team. In the beginning we didn’t play well but then found our rhythm. We played as well as we could but sometimes one could see that we lack experience.
Orlando Samuels Blackwood (head coach Cuba): It was a very emotional match. In the beginning we didn’t play well but in the second set we showed great volleyball. I think the young players on the team were one reason why we made so many mistakes. But also the German team got stronger and stronger.
Björn Andrae (captain Germany): I think we found our rhythm very quickly. The Cuban team put us under pressure but we fought hard. We didn’t want to finish the match with the knowledge we didn’t try everything. It was a great performance that we came back in the third set. Cuba is a strong team and served very hard. I am very happy about the result of the match.
Stelian Moculescu (head coach Germany): Maybe, today we had the luck we didn’t have in the past years. I think Frank Dehne who made the difference today. He played very well and was successful in bringing his attackers in a good position against the Cuban block. The match might have been easier if we’d won the first set.