Fired up by a loud Filipino crowd that cheered them, Slovenia got into a fighting mood and put the Netherlands out of playoff contention on Sunday with a 25-20, 32-30, 25-22 verdict in the final day of the Volleyball Nations League men’s tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Two things were on coach Gheorghe Cretu’s mind after they were done with the Dutch spikers as they formally advanced to the Grand Finals in Gdansk, Poland in two weeks’ time.
Their qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024 through rankings was the first thing that got Cretu excited, along with their coming games in the final round.
And all these happened because of the energy that the Slovenians from the big adoring fans which came to watch their game.
“Both teams showed quality in their games. We need the fans. This is energy for our movements,” said Cretu, adding that the defensive moves gave them opportunities to win every set.
Six-foot-seven Tine Urnaut, who helped Slovenia win the 2019 FIVB Challenger, made a team-high 14 points in 12 attacks and two aces.
Teammate Klemen Cebulj scored 13 points behind eight hits for the Slovenians, who ended up in seventh place with their 8-4 win-loss card.
With the Dutch spikers staying close, 22-21, Urnaut’s placement shot to the backline, followed by Rok Mojic’s long hit from the net allowed Slovenia to move to within matchpoint in the final set of their 93-minute encounter.
Alen Pajenk’s block in the second set allowed the Slovenians to claim matchpoint, 32-30.
Earlier, Canada drew 20 points on four blocks and 16 aces from Stephen Anthony Maar in stopping China, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18.
This allowed Canada to avoid getting relegated to the Challenger Division with its 3-9 slate.