Oly: Volleyball-Germany stun Olympic champions Cuba

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2004
Oly: Volleyball-Germany stun Olympic champions Cuba

ATHENS, Aug 14 Reuters - Olympic champions Cuba slumped to defeat against Germany as
the women's volleyball tournament began with a big upset at the Athens Games today.

Germany stormed back from two sets down to triumph 20-25 24-26 25-22 25-15 17-15 in
their Pool B opener after Cuba failed to return an Angelina Grun serve on match point.

"Germany were outsiders -- nobody gave us a chance," said Germany's South Korean coach
Lee Hee-wan. "But we prepared well and came here to show the world that we belong."

Cuban coach Luis Felipe Calderon blamed the shock defeat on over-confidence.

"Cuba underestimated Germany's potential," said Calderon after the two-hour marathon.

"We started well but Germany confused us. It's important to maintain your rhythm and
we lost ours."

Meanwhile, 2003 World Cup winners China overpowered the United States 25-21 23-25 25-22
25-18 in the same group in the final match of the day at the Peace and Friendship stadium.

There were no slip-ups from favourites Brazil as the South Americans overcame a determined
Japan team in three tight sets.

World Grand Prix champions Brazil, who have taken bronze at the past two Olympics,
won their Group A opener 25-21 25-22 25-21 thanks to 13 points apiece from Marianne Steinbrecher
and Virna Dias.

Hosts Greece eased past Kenya 25-7 25-22 25-14 in the same group while Italy beat South
Korea 25-17 25-13 25-19.

Elsewhere, Russia comfortably beat the Dominican Republic 25-17 25-13 25-16 in Pool B.

Reuters mo

KEYWORD: OLY VBL NIGHTLEAD

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