22.03.2009 | MATCH
DESCRIPTION
Cuneo Produces the Slight
Edge Needed for Bronze
ATHENS, 22 March -- In a repeat of their
performance in the semifinals, Unicaja Almeria
clinched the first set, but went on to blow the
lead, as Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo came back to win
the match 3-1 (18-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18) and the
bronze medal of the 2009 Men's CEV Cup at the
Olympic Complex, here, Sunday.
Both teams seemed somewhat
uninspired, following the disappointment of Saturday's semifinal defeats, but
Cuneo, even without captain Wout Wijsmans of Belgium, who remained on the bench
throughout, managed to put in that little special effort that made the
difference and clinched the victory.
With no scoring fluctuations,
Almeria took a lead early in the fist set and retained it until the end. Cuneo
was ahead throughout the next three sets. Although the Spaniards were more
efficient in reception and serving, Cuneo countered with better attacking and
blocking.
In the absence of Wijsman,
Vladimir Nikolov took on the burden of scoring and amassed as many as 24 points,
emerging top scorer of the match, with Peter Platinek adding another 16. Juan
Barcala was top scorer of the Spanish team, with 15 points.
