Pool D sees a top-of-the-table battle between Cuba and Germany as the Netherlands look to add to their sole victory over Brazil as the fourth weekend of the 2010 FIVB Intercontinental Round begins on Friday.
Cuba currently sit on top of Pool D, succumbing to only one defeat at the hands of Poland last week in Havana. The side now embarks on a tough fourth week journey as they are yet to play an away match in this year’s contest. Meanwhile, Germany will be looking to use home advantage in Trier to overcome the visitors. The side, who returned to the FIVB World League this year, lost to Cuba 3-0 and 3-1 two weeks ago and will be looking for revenge.
Elsewhere in Pool D, FIVB World League Final Round hosts Argentina travel to Poland as the Europeans prepare for their first home game of their campaign, determined to get it back on track after a lackluster opening three weeks.
Pool A leaders Brazil will be hoping to avoid another slip-up against the Netherlands as the two sides face off in Rotterdam. The defending champions were humbled by the world No.28 3-0 in Brasilia two weeks ago and despite winning the second match 3-0, the South Americans will be weary of their European counterparts.
Pool A’s other match sees second-placed Bulgaria take on fourth-placed Korea in their first home game of the competition. Korea failed to pick up a victory in all six of their home matches and sit at the bottom of the group with zero point. Meanwhile Bulgaria are just one point behind Brazil with 13 and will be confident they can catch the leaders as they settle down to three weekends at home.
Pool B is beginning to shape up to be a tight group with both Serbia and Italy with five wins and one loss, with the Serbians topping the group by a point with 15. Italy travel to France after being pushed close by them on the opening weekend, coming away with a 3-0 and 3-2 win. Meanwhile last year’s runners-up Serbia travel to bottom side China with the hosts desperate to pick up their first home win of this year’s competition.
Russia will be within a whisker of qualification for the Final Round in Cordoba, Argentina if they overcome Egypt in Cairo in Pool C. The European side is five points ahead of second-placed USA, who are on 12, but will be aware of the African champions on home soil following a breath-taking weekend between the two sides a fortnight ago which saw Russia narrowly clinch 3-1 and 3-2 victories in Kasliningrad.
Meanwhile, USA host their first match of the competition as they take on Finland in Illinois. The home side recorded two 3-1 wins over the Scandinavians and will be desperate to catch Russia after their rivals have built up such a dominant lead.
Cuba currently sit on top of Pool D, succumbing to only one defeat at the hands of Poland last week in Havana. The side now embarks on a tough fourth week journey as they are yet to play an away match in this year’s contest. Meanwhile, Germany will be looking to use home advantage in Trier to overcome the visitors. The side, who returned to the FIVB World League this year, lost to Cuba 3-0 and 3-1 two weeks ago and will be looking for revenge.
Elsewhere in Pool D, FIVB World League Final Round hosts Argentina travel to Poland as the Europeans prepare for their first home game of their campaign, determined to get it back on track after a lackluster opening three weeks.
Pool A leaders Brazil will be hoping to avoid another slip-up against the Netherlands as the two sides face off in Rotterdam. The defending champions were humbled by the world No.28 3-0 in Brasilia two weeks ago and despite winning the second match 3-0, the South Americans will be weary of their European counterparts.
Pool A’s other match sees second-placed Bulgaria take on fourth-placed Korea in their first home game of the competition. Korea failed to pick up a victory in all six of their home matches and sit at the bottom of the group with zero point. Meanwhile Bulgaria are just one point behind Brazil with 13 and will be confident they can catch the leaders as they settle down to three weekends at home.
Pool B is beginning to shape up to be a tight group with both Serbia and Italy with five wins and one loss, with the Serbians topping the group by a point with 15. Italy travel to France after being pushed close by them on the opening weekend, coming away with a 3-0 and 3-2 win. Meanwhile last year’s runners-up Serbia travel to bottom side China with the hosts desperate to pick up their first home win of this year’s competition.
Russia will be within a whisker of qualification for the Final Round in Cordoba, Argentina if they overcome Egypt in Cairo in Pool C. The European side is five points ahead of second-placed USA, who are on 12, but will be aware of the African champions on home soil following a breath-taking weekend between the two sides a fortnight ago which saw Russia narrowly clinch 3-1 and 3-2 victories in Kasliningrad.
Meanwhile, USA host their first match of the competition as they take on Finland in Illinois. The home side recorded two 3-1 wins over the Scandinavians and will be desperate to catch Russia after their rivals have built up such a dominant lead.
