Russia win second World League title in classic 2011 final
Much was made of this much anticipated final between the two best men’s teams in the world, which was a repeat of the 2010 final - which Brazil won - and they didn’t disappoint. MVP Maxim Mikhaylov was simply exquisite on attack, top scoring with 26 points while the block of Dmitriy Muserskiy, Alexander Volkov and captain Taras Khtei was outstanding. But the great supporting act for Russia came from 22-year-old Denis Biriukov who spiked and blocked his way to 15 points to give Russia their 14th World League medal but their second title after beating Brazil in 2002.
“I hope this final was nice to watch for everybody, it was a real volleyball fiesta,” Russia captain Taras Khtei said. “I would like to thank the Polish fans. You will stay in our hearts for a long time, along with these gold medals. I think I can now agree with the opinion of Reid Priddy, that we are one of the best teams in the world, because we finally sealed it with a success. There is an opinion in our country that we should be the leaders, so we will work on it and we will try to stay on top. Our coach played a huge role in this success, because he came to our team and rebuilt everything. It is priceless.”
For Brazil - who were well lead by skipper Giba (16 points), Murilo (12 points) and the class of libero Sergio - it was a disappointing end to a campaign where they looked firm favourites to win their 10th World League crown, ninth title in 12 years and 12th medal in 13. While the Brazilian dynasty has taken a slight knock, it won’t remove their favouritism building up to next year’s Olympics. The world champions have won the last two World Cups and will look to do the same at the end of this year in an effort to claim the Olympic crown they missed out on in 2008. The overall record between the two countries now stands at 22 wins to Brazil out of 33 games, including 15 out of 20 World League matches, and this Russian win certainly adds some spice to the top table.
Earlier, the home fans were in party mood after Poland won their first ever World League medal after beating Argentina in the bronze medal match 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-22). It was the first time the two countries have played together for a medal and the hosts continued their strong record against their South American opponents, having beaten them 17 times in 22 encounters including 15 times out of 17 in the World League. For Argentina, fourth place was their best ever finish in the World League after two fifth placings in 2010 and 2009.
2011 WORLD LEAGUE FINAL STANDINGS () denotes last year’s placing
1. Russia (2)
2. Brazil (1)
3. Poland (10)
4. Argentina (5)
5. Bulgaria (7)
6. Italy (6)
7. USA (8)
8. Cuba (4)
9. Serbia (9)
10. Finland (13)
11. Germany (9)
12. France (12)
13. Korea (16)
14. Portugal (-)
15. Japan (-)
16. Puerto Rico (-)
BEST PLAYERS (Only players in the last four are eligible)
Best Spiker: Theo (BRA)
Best Blocker: Maxim Mikhaylov (RUS)
Best Server: Dmitriy Muserskiy (RUS)
Best Receiver: Murilo (BRA)
Best Libero: Krystof Ignaczak (POL)
Best Setter: Luciano De Cecco (ARG)
Best Scorer: Bartosz Kurek (POL)
Most Valuable Player: Maxim Mikhaylov (RUS)
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