In their second match of Pool D at the U18 World Championships in Durango, Mexico, the national team of Slovakia enjoyed their first victory and took a big step towards advancing to the round of 16. On Wednesday, Coach Marek Malický’s team won over Bulgaria 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 21-25, 25-14), passed them in the ranking, where with three points they currently hold the 4th place with a weaker point ratio behind the third Argentina.
Now, Slovakia is waiting for South American opponents Brazil (Friday 3am) and Argentina (Saturday 3am). All championship matches are broadcast live on YouTube by Volleyball World.
Kamila Slivkova, middle blocker of Slovakia: “To win our first match at the World Championship is really special. We knew this wasn’t going to be an easy match, but we fought for every ball. It was a very nervous and emotional match. We played as a team, fought until the end and are really happy we managed to win. Hopefully we can win our next two matches too, we’ll certainly fight for it.”
Ivayla Chavdarova, middle blocker of Bulgaria: “We were too nervous in the beginning. We were so frustrated with our game that it gave us the motivation to fight more and try to change it. Our coach tried everything and we never lost hope, but unfortunately, at the end we couldn’t show our best. We have one more matcha against Brazil and hopefully we can show more and play with more emotions. We have nothing to lose.”
