For the first time in history, Poland was a participant of the final. This gold is the second Polish medal in World League.
The game with USA was short, but beautiful. Both teams were playing well and showed their earned their place in final. The first set was the shortest one, as Poles quickly took a lead and despite of a great service of Clayton Stanley – they only enlarge their result. During this part Marcin Mozdzonek got a little injury. It was nothing dangerous, but Anastasi did not want to take any risk and he brought on the court another middle blocker, Grzegorz Kosok. Polish players did not slow down. Michal Ruciak entered the court as a substitute for Michal Winiarski and he scored two aces in a row. After that result could be only one.
The second set was the most exciting one. Americans didn’t give up, they played well and took a lead 8:7 and 16:14. Poles managed to make a tie 20:20 and this part finished after difficult game 26:24 for Anastasi’s team.
After a short time of American leading in the third set, Polish boys started to push harder as they wanted to finish the game. At the second TTO it was 16:10 and nothing really could stop them. Americans caught up a few points, but Poland won 25:20 and they also got the gold medal of World League for the first time in history.
Andrea Anastasi, coach of Poland: I am really happy. It is the first gold medal for Poland in the World League and for me, as a coach, this is important.
Marcin Mozdzonek, captain of Poland: I am happy, it is a historical moment for all of us. We won against USA – one of the best teams in the world. I hope we will continue playing this way.
Alan Knipe, coach of USA: Poland played a very good match today. On our side, it is disappointing to lose, but a lot of good things happened to our team in the last few weeks. It is great to experience these matches and I hope to continue and build on for the Olympics.
Clayton Stanley, captain of USA: At the beginning of this tournament, I did not think that our team would not be in this position, but our play improved. I am disappointed for losing the final match, but we will see what we did wrong and learn from our mistakes.
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