World League Preview - Week Four
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5/30/2001 -
Week Four Preview Of World League 2001 The top-ranked teams in FIVB World League play will meet this week as Italy takes on France and Russia will host Greece in double headers. With teams having played six of their 12 qualifying games, only Cuba, in Pool C, appear dominant enough to be close to securing their qualification for the eight-team World League finals, to be staged in Poland from June 25 to 30. Italy, eight times winners of the World League in 11 years, are beginning to emerge as favorites to win their group, a status they could solidfy at home against their closest challengers this weekend. France, having lost to Argentina last weekend, must take something from the two matches if they are to stay ahead of the Latin Americans, who play host to the inconsistent Spaniards. Pool B should test the emergence of Greece as serious challengers, as they visit Russia, a team that is certain to want revenge for its defeat in Piraeus two weeks ago. Venezuela host Poland. Having won all their six home matches in Havana, Cuba now hit the road for the next month, first visiting Japan. Yugoslavia, at home to Portugal, should confirm their position in second place in the Group C. Pool D was thrown open by the United States win against Brazil last Sunday, and with the return matches being staged this week, a clearer picture may emerge of the eventual outcome. If the Netherlands can come away with a win from their visit to Germany, they will surely revive their chances of qualifying. Match schedule Friday 1 June: Saturday 2 June: Sunday 3 June: Argentina v Spain, Buenos Aires |