Germany gains easy victory against India

Host Germany showed a good start in the Olympic qualification tournament in Berlin. The team which is listed as the world ranking´s 13th won the match against India with 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-15) in straight sets.

Jochen Schöps (GER) was on top of all scorers making 16 points, meanwhile Singh Gurinder was the best scorer on Indian side with 10 points.

Germany quickly took the charge in the first set. The team succeeded with strong services and attacks the Indians couldn´t handle. Lead by captain Björn Andrae the Germans let the Asian opponent barely score and pulled away to a 25-16 win.

The Germans extended their lead in set two. At 7-6 India temporary got to draw level but then again it was Germany who made the important points. The Indians, now stronger than during the first set, kept up better than before indeed but did not get the chance to pass the Germans -mainly caused by the physical inferiority – which lead to another set defeat.

In the third set Germany proved to be the superior team again. The strong service caused big problems in India´s defence so that the Asians could barely oppose. Germany´s excellent effort didn´t fade despite of their obvious lead. Finally it was Germany´s Jochen Schöps who covered the third match point and closed the match with 3-0.

Statements
German Coach Vital Heynen: “I´m very happy about the victory. It was important for us to start this tournament with a 3-0, the success gives us confidence. The team showed a good performance and everyone could see they were having fun during the game.”

German captain Björn Andrae: „We had a very good start. Before the tournament none of the teams knew where it is standing. We didn´t have much information about India, therefor we are glad that it went so well. Regarding what comes next it was important for us to succeed with a clear 3-0, now we can await the match against Cuba tomorrow with a positive feeling.”

India coach G.E. Sridharan: „It is the first time for us being in Europe and participating in the Olympic-qualifying tournament. We had hoped to play better, but I´m still content. This tournament shows that we need more contests against European teams.“

India captain Singh Gurinder: „Germany played very well, it´s a very athletic and powerful team. We had too many big problems with our defence.”