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Latest news from the world of volleyball
Even the European champions did not inspire Bulgaria, a 1:3 loss to Finland
Bulgaria recorded its first loss in the group stage of the European Championship for U18 men, which is taking place in Sofia and Plovdiv. Desislava Velichkova's boys lost to the team of Finland with 1:3 (16-25, 25-22, 19-25, 23-25) and thus took a step back on the path to the final four. Even the European champions of Toni Zetova, who, despite an 8-hour bus trip, came to support their compatriots in "Levski Sofia" hall, could not help. It became clear once again that only one Jasmin Velichkov is not enough, despite his 19 points (including 1 ace). Kasper Vesanen scored the same amount for the winners.The Finns played tactically correctly throughout the entire match and, without having prominent players, managed to break ours.
A champion's welcome: The European queens returned home today
The Bulgarian girls returned to Sofia with the EuroVolley 2024 trophy today after an 8-hour bus journey. The Bulgarian national U18 girls' volleyball team, which yesterday climbed to the European summit in an emphatic manner by decisively defeating Belgium 3-0, was fittingly welcomed at 4:00 PM in the "Levski Sofia" hall, where Group A of the EuroVolley for boys of the same age is taking place. Our girls shared their first emotions from the enormous triumph on native soil with their loved ones - parents, relatives, and friends, as well as with their supporters. All of them constantly believed in the abilities of our "lionesses." Many fans and supporters of our champions, who were in front of the hall, managed to get close to them, take photos for memory, get autographs, talk, and experience together the exceptional success for Bulgarian volleyball that these fantastic girls brought to the entire country.
Delcho Raev leaves CSKA, will try abroad
CSKA's setter Delcho Raev will leave the team, as found out byvolleyweek.bg. This situation arose after the 'reds' attracted Montana's playmaker Lyubomir Agontsev. Thus, the club from the 4th kilometer found itself with three setters, which prompted their reduction in the team. Vladimir StankovFor now, the experienced Raev intends to try his luck abroad, but if that doesn't work out – he's not far from the idea of retiring. Delcho Raev won silver medals from the past championship, playing a full match against Levski Sofia in the last game of the final playoff.
The technical staff of Piacenza was presented, Zlatanov is no longer sports director, they are expecting him in Sofia next week
Hristo Zlatanov is no longer the sports director of Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza. This became clear after the presentation of the technical management for the new season. Today, the last two new names in the staff were announced – Roberto Rotari, who will be assistant coach, and Antonio Mariano – scoutman. Roberto RotariThe team presented a new, even more ambitious three-year plan, which aims to establish them at the top in Italy, trying to take another step forward. Gianluca Galassi is expected to be one of the main pillars of the new Piacenza.
With a strong serve and passionate play, Bulgaria won the European gold
Bulgaria is the European Champion in women's U18! Toni Zetova's girls won the gold medals, outplaying the Belgian team 3:0 (25-15, 25-18, 28-26) in the final, played in Blaj (Romania). Our team dominated at the net, where we made 12 blocks, against Belgium's 1. We also added 7 aces in our favor. In 84 minutes of play, our girls showed maximum concentration and an unprecedentedly strong serve, which maximally challenged the attack of the tall Flemish players. The most effective player for us was Darina Naneva, scoring 14 points (including 3 blocks and 2 aces), Vyara Parapunova added 12 points (including 3 aces).
Dimana Ivanova is the MVP of the European Volleyball Championship
Bulgarian setter Dimana Ivanova was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the European Championship for U18 girls. Ivanova (No. 14), who is part of the CSKA selection, was also included in the Championship's Ideal Team as the best in her position. Two other Bulgarians earned awards - Kalina Veneva is the best among the receivers, and Darina Naneva - among the middle blockers.
Martin Atanasov was officially presented at Turkish Galatasaray
Galatasaray men's volleyball team signed a 1-year contract with Bulgarian attacker Martin Atanasov. This is clear from a post on the social network X. Atanasov, who did not participate in the national team this year, comes from Lokomotiv Novosibirsk with coach Plamen Konstantinov. The outside hitter spent two seasons with Turkish Ziraat Bank. photo: Nikolay Varadinov
Poland, Egypt, Slovenia, and Germany in the last pre-Olympic test at the "Hubert Wagner" tournament in Krakow, Leon misses out
The Polish volleyball players, who are preparing to reach the medals in Paris, presented themselves to their fans in Krakow at the 21st Hubert Wagner Memorial Tournament. Interestingly, after the strong competition, Nikola Grbić's "Drużyna Polska" will play the first match of the Olympic tournament again against Egypt on July 27. "I want to specifically congratulate the organizers, because over the years the Hubert Wagner Memorial has become a global volleyball brand," said the captain of the "white-reds" Bartosz Kurek. "Heartfelt congratulations also to the city of Krakow, which welcomes us so well and it's very pleasant to return here. It's always good to pass this final test in front of your fans and feel their support," added the Polish opposite.
Review of Group B from EuroVolley 2024 U18, Day Three: Italy pulls ahead at the top, fierce battle for second place
The matches of the regular competitive day in Plovdiv's "Kolodruma" hall passed without unexpected results. The next 4 matches in Plovdiv were played yesterday. Here's what happened on the third day of EuroVolley 2024 in Group B: 1.
Review of Group A from EuroVolley 2024 U18, Day Three: 3rd Bulgarian victory, other favorites also with 3/3
The main rivals in Sofia continue on schedule, with the battle for the top two positions intensifying with direct matches. Yesterday, the next 4 matches were played in “Levski Sofia” Hall. Here's what happened on the third day of Eurovolley 2024 in Group A: 1.