VTAM - European Tour Match Report v Iran
Tuesday 1/5/2012 – Sofia, Bulgaria
VTAM V IRAN
RESULT 0 : 3 (21-25, 22-25, 19-25)
The Australian Men’s Volleyball Team played a much anticipated match with Iran this evening but an error riddled game cost the Aussie boys dearly.
Like the game against Bulgaria the Aussie boys started this game exceptionally well, executing the game plan constructed by Head Coach Jon Uriarte and Assistant Coach Dan Ilott and killing the ball with ease. Some errors started to creep into our game and with the game poised at 14-18 the VTAM were making 8% more errors in attack than their opposition which was keeping them the in the set. Our boys were out performing their opponents in all other aspects of the game. Iran took the opportunity presented to them and closed out the set 21-25.
After a disappointing finish to the first set the boys were determined in their approach to the second with some great blocking lead by Aidan Zingel and Luke Smith sensationally backed up by our Libero, Aden Tutton. The Aussie boys went into the first technical timeout down by two and reduced that margin to one (15-16) by the second time out. During the back half of the set this youthful team showed glimpses of what they are capable of but consistency cost them and the Iranian’s once again capitilised to take the second 22-25.
The third set was much like the first with the Aussie boys dominating sections of the set but through a lack of accuracy in their passing and reception errors they could not maintain any pressure in reception attack. Iran showed their class as current Asian Champions closing out the set 19-25 and the match.
The Team travel back to Italy tomorrow with their next match against the Italian National Team on Friday the 4th of May. The final three members of the squad will come into camp tomorrow with John Dekker, Greg Sukochev and Adam White completing their respective club commitments.
TEAM STATISTICS
SERVE 7 Aces, 11 Errors, Proficiency 1.36
RECEPTION Proficiency 2.26, 46% Perfect, 7 Errors.
ATTACK 53% Kill, 15% Error, 38% Kill Efficiency
BLOCK 7 Stuff Blocks, 17 Control Blocks.
DEFENCE 14 Controlled Digs.
