Latvia`s U22 men`s national volleyball team commenced their quest for European Championship qualification with a significant 3-1 victory over Croatia. Playing on home soil at the Daugavpils Olympic Centre, the Latvians secured the win on Thursday, claiming an immediate advantage in Pool D.
Match Overview
The match, the opening fixture for both teams in the qualifying group, saw sets decided with scores of 25-19, 18-25, 25-20, and 25-23. Latvia demonstrated strong initial momentum, dominating the early points of the first set. While Croatia managed to narrow the margin, effective plays including a crucial ace and a set-ending block ensured Latvia took the lead.
The second set presented a different narrative, with Croatia finding their rhythm and establishing an early lead. Despite Latvian attempts to recover, the visitors maintained their advantage, ultimately securing the set to level the match. Latvia regained control in the third set, building a comfortable lead that they successfully defended to move ahead once more. The fourth set proved to be the most competitive, with both teams exchanging points closely. Key plays from Latvia, including a service ace and the final attack, sealed the 25-23 win and the match.
Key Performances
Individual performances were critical to the outcome. For Latvia, outside hitter Armands Rokjāns delivered an impressive 23 points, featuring four impactful aces. Opposite hitter Kristers Landzāns contributed 17 points, including the decisive final point of the match. Middle blocker Leo Aleksandrs Štolcs added 11 points, notably with two blocks, one of which secured the first set. On the Croatian side, Ivan Vuk led the scoring with 16 points, supported by Budimir Oliver Škorić with 15 points.
Reactions from the Teams
Latvian player Armands Rokjāns expressed confidence following the win, stating, “This win is no surprise. We have played Croatia twice before and won both times. We knew they were similar to our team and that we could beat them.” He attributed his performance and the team`s energy partly to playing at the Daugavpils Olympic Centre and a positive team atmosphere.
Croatian player Ivan Vuk offered a candid assessment of his team`s challenges. “In key moments and points, we just weren’t on the court,” he admitted. He noted Latvia`s physical strength and his team`s inability to capitalize on crucial opportunities, acknowledging Latvia as “a really good team, they look well-connected.” When asked about Daugavpils, he politely described it as a “small and very nice city,” adding he noticed the local investment in sports facilities.
Latvia’s head coach, Mārcis Obrumans, highlighted the importance of confidence, bolstered by the strong start. He acknowledged some issues with serve reception but praised the team`s resilience in converting difficult plays and maintaining attack diversity. “Starting off with successful plays led to positive momentum and energy,” he noted.
Group Standings and Future Prospects
In the other Pool D match played the same day, Poland defeated Israel in a five-set thriller (3-2). This result places Latvia at the top of the group standings after the first day, with 3 points. Poland follows with 2 points, Israel with 1, and Croatia is currently without points. Coach Obrumans acknowledged the favourable position but remained focused, looking ahead to the next match against Israel. He anticipates a challenging game but remains hopeful, emphasizing the significant boost provided by the home crowd in Daugavpils.
