Cyprus just short against strong Spain in their opening match

Nicosia, Cyprus. Spain and Latvia caught a very promising start to their EuroVolley campaign as they celebrated comprehensive victories in their Pool D opening matches on Sunday in Nicosia. Latvia thrashed Moldova 3-0 before Spain dropped a set against the highly motivated hosts from Cyprus but the Red Lynxes regrouped swiftly to cash a 3-1 win. The competition in Nicosia continues until next Sunday with the eventual pool winners securing their participation in the EuroVolley Final Round co-hosted by Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia and Finland in the late summer of 2021. 

Latvia needed 67 minutes only to claim a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Republic of Moldova (25-10, 25-21, 25-20). “We are very happy with this result in our first match in the competition and with our performance as well,” said Latvian player Kristaps Smits. “As for the next matches with Spain and Cyprus, we will analyse them through videos, watch their match tonight and we will be ready. Our goal is to qualify for the final round of EuroVolley,” he continued. 

Miguel Angel De Amo (#77) was pleased with the victory and his return to Cyprus as well 

Spain dropped one set in their match with Cyprus but the Red Lynxes re-focused immediately to celebrate a 3-1 victory (25-22, 25-27, 25-17, 25-17). The match was somehow special for Spanish setter Miguel Angel De Amo Fernandez-Echevarria, who spent some time earlier in his career with the Cypriot team of Pokka AE KARAVA and the head coach of Team Cyprus, Jorge Cannestracci. “I am absolutely satisfied with the victory and the performance. After so many months of inactivity due to the lockdown, I am happy that we are back playing again. Cyprus have a good team and the match was quite difficult for us. I have many friends here in Cyprus from my time with Pokka AE KARAVA, including Angelos Alexiou. Our goal is obviously to qualify for EuroVolley – we played there last year and we want to qualify again.” 

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Sources:
CEV – European Volleyball
Cyprus Volleyball Federation