Poland ends up third in Volleyball World Cup
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
23.09.2015 16:49
Despite having started the final day of the FIVB World Cup in first place, Poland's dreams of glory were dashed in Japan on Wednesday, and the team had to settle for third place.
Polish players (C, back) react after losing a point during the third round match between Italy and Poland at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup in Tokyo, Japan, 23 September 2015. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA
Only the top two teams automatically qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, dealing a second blow to the Polish team.
Poland had been unbeaten in the tournament until Wednesday, and the team only needed to win two sets against Italy (then in third place) to be certain of staying in the top two. Yet it was not to be.
The Italians won 3:1 (26:24, 22:25, 25:22, 25:19), and the shock result meant that Poland's last chance was for Argentina to beat the USA (second on Wednesday morning).
But again, fortune did not favour the Poles, with the Americans triumphing 3:1 (25:20, 25:21, 17:25, 25:20), and winning the overall World Cup title, with the Italians in second place.
Poland’s volleyball team must now beat their World Cup performance at the continental qualifying tournament that will take place in Berlin in January 2016.
Only the winner advances to the Olympics and the second and third place team’s advance to the intercontinental qualification round in June 2016.
From the intercontinental qualification round, hosted again in Japan, the last chance to qualify will be by placing in the top four to play in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (ua/nh/rk)