Toyama, Japan, September 18, 2015 – Poland pulled off a straight-set victory (25-15, 25-22, 25-17) against Australia, to gain an 8-0 win-loss record after the second round of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup Japan 2015.
Bartosz Kurek received his fourth Most Impressive Player award at the Toyama City Gymnasium with his 21-point performance on Friday. Australia’s Thomas Edgar earned 17 points.
Setter Fabian Drzyzga established the tempo of Poland’s game in the first set, enabling his hitters Kurek and Rafal Buszek to connect at the wing. Drzyzga also posted two aces in the first set to unleash more weapons from the Polish armada.
Australia encountered difficulty in passing the ball, and they mostly directed the plays towards Edgar.
Poland enlisted their strong plays at the middle. They grabbed the first set 25-15 with a great dig from Michal Kubiak, finished off by a power smash from Kurek.
In the second set, Poland continued to dominate with their service. They were keen on finding weak spots on the other court. Drzyzga continued to run a tight offensive plan, seamlessly fabricating plays even during transition.
The Australian side tried to put up a gallant stand by posting good efforts in blocking and earning off opponent errors.
A quick kill by Kurek at the flank earned Poland the second set, 25-22.
Kurek continued on with his heroics in the third set, bringing an all-round game to the table. His serves, attacks and blocks were all on point.
Coach Robert Santilli still had Edgar, Nehemiah Mote and Jordan Richards on the Australian frontline but the 11-21 gap was just too big to narrow.
Poland took a gamble by fielding in players from the bench. The move paid off as they were able to win the final set, 25-17.