Czech Republic Boys to play for the 5th place at the U21 World Championships

Czech Republic will play in the classification matches for the 5th place of the FIVB Volleyball U21 Men’s World Championship 2021. After a tough five-setter against Argentina they just missed the semifinal. On Wednesday, the South American players around head coach Martin Ariel Lopez showed mental strength in a match, full of turnarounds, to eventually join the top four of the tournament and move Czechia in the fifth-place playoffs.

Argentina v Czechia 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 15-13)

Czechia opened in their favour after a better performance in reception (75% to 50%). Both sides fought hard and showed a rather equal performance, with only one more successful attack making the difference in the first set. Argentina were still struggling with some unforced errors (two on the serve), but led by Agustin Gallardo in the deciding points of the second set, found the strength to come back. Czech middle blockers Petrk Spulak and Jakub Klajmon gave their best with two blocks each, but it was not enough. Inspired, Argentina sped up their attacks (11-6) with Lorenzo Nieto on fire (6 points), and with improved performance in reception as well, got closer to the victory. The players of Jan Svoboda did not give up, and although Armoa of Argentina recorded some important balls, the Europeans got back on track. Long and intense rallies highlighted the last set, but Argentina showed great motivation, and after being back in the score, eventually seized the important victory.

Statistically, four more winning spikes turned out to be Argentina’s key to the success (57 to 53). Czechia, on the other hand, were slightly better on the block (13 to 12), and aced seven times (compared to five by the South Americans). Manuel Armoa shined once again for his team, with 27 points to his name. Valentino Vidoni added as many as 18.

“Our secret? We are a real team, showing teamwork. I believe that when we do things as a team, we show that we can win. This is Argentina! We are now in the semis! It is incredible, because we have worked really hard before the competition. We will continue training and preparing as if there was no tomorrow,” Vidoni, opposite hitter of Argentina, told Volleyball World.