2006 World Championships
Germany beat Italy for tournament honours - Ukraine into play off (FIVB)
07/31/2005
Napoli,
Italy, July 31, 2005 – World number 25 Germany beat a
young and new look Italian side, who are ranked second
in the world, 3-2 (25-18, 18-25, 22-25, 25-18, 18-16) on
the final day of the 2006 Men’s World Championship third
round tournament – Europe Pool I in Napoli to win the
tournament. Both teams had already confirmed their
places in the final round on Saturday by ensuring they
finished in the top two places having won their opening
two matches, so Sunday's match was an effective 'final'
for tournament honours. Pic: Hot World Championshiop action in the
Napoli Palavesuvio
Meanwhile, the Ukraine kept alive their amazing World
Championship dream by beating Spain 3-2 (23-25, 25-21,
21-25, 25-17, 15-10) on Sunday to book their place in a
four team play off for a final round ticket.
The Ukraine, ranked 38th in the world, advanced to the
third round tournament from the second round and now
need to beat Portugal, the Netherlands and Bulgaria in a
play off starting on August 19 in Varna, Bulgaria.
The Napoli tournament was the final of four European
third round tournaments being played in July where the
top two sides from each tournament claimed final round
tickets. Italy and Germany joined Russia, Poland, Greece
and Serbia & Montenegro, France and the Czech Republic
in the final round from Europe along with the hosts
Japan and defending champions Brazil, and Egypt,
Tunisia, Kazahkstan, China, Iran, Korea, Australia, Argentina and
Venezuela.
