Novotel Cup 2010

Eglseer Peter 1989 195 Supervolley
Frühbauer Simon 1988 185 Amiens/Frau
Guttmann Marcus 1991 205 VCA Hypo Niederösterreich
Hinterecker Hubert 1985 196 UVC Graz AG
Huber Alexander 1985 180 Wörther See Löwen Klagenfurt
Ichovski Philip 1991 200 VCA Hypo Niederösterreich
Kohlegger Stefan 1985 196 Union Volleyball Arbesbach
Müllner Daniel 1990 198 hotVolleys
Nagy Stefan 1991 194 SG Supervolley
Pack Matthias 1985 187 TSV Hartberg
Seidl Robin 1990 193 Wörther See Löwen Klagenfurt
Zass Thomas 1989 193 VCA Hypo Niederösterreich
Koraimann Felix 1989 196 UVC Graz AG
Coach Gulinelli Flavio

1 Liepins Janis 19/02/92 200 MSG/SEJA
2 Cimoska Andis 10/07/91 201 MSG/SEJA
3 Septe Kristaps 23/01/92 203 MSG/SEJA
4 Vilde Atvars 03/10/91 194 SK CĒSIS
5 Simkuss Martins 28/02/91 196 Lase-R/Riga
6 Gulbis Marcis 20/12/92 190 MSG/SEJA
7 Jansons Martins 10/03/91 187 MSG/SEJA
8 Regza Haralds 06/07/92 198 MSG/SEJA
9 Finsters Rihards 21/05/91 192 RVS
10 Lisovskis Kristaps 18/02/91 192 SK VECUMNIEKI
11 Slavens Gatis 10/10/92 201 MSG/SEJA
12 Tihonovs Jevgenijs 01/05/91 193 Lase-R/Riga
13 Krams Valters 07/06/91 191 MSG/SEJA
14 Petersons Matiss 31/01/91 201 MSG/SEJA
15 Vavers Kristaps 19/12/91 200 MSG/SEJA
16 Solovejs Aleksandrs 11/01/91 199 RVS
17 Zeile Ralfs 11/07/91 201 Lase-R/Riga
Coach Aigars Birzulis

Galloway Alistair 25/05/81 191 Su Ragazzi
King Alasdair 19/01/89 196 Su Ragazzi
Todd Steven 30/10/84 193 Su Ragazzi
O’Neill Brian 07/02/74 202 Su Ragazzi
Watt Gavin 11/08/88 188 City of Edinburgh
McGuigan Barry 14/02/79 188 City of Edinburgh
Edgar Stuart 04/08/80 198 Kilmarnock
Duncan Euan 16/10/91 192 Kilmarnock
Green Callum 07/07/89 198 Sheffield VC
Hendry Sean 07/02/91 192 GB Dev Squad
Stronach Andrew 27/04/80 193 Bon Accord
Penny Mike 27/07/83 195 Team Fife
Coach Loftus Simon

Angelsberg Ben 27.04.87 190 CHEV Diekirch
Augustin Philippe 09.12.78 185 CHEV Diekirch
Belhaouci Djamel 01.02.92 186 Volley Bartréng
Braas Gilles 17.03.92 188 RSR Walfer
Christophory Pol 05.10.88 190 Northern Ireland UNI
Husi Dominik 01.08.90 185 VBC Einsiedeln (CH)
Jungers Raoul 03.10.79 186 CHEV Diekich
König Andy 30.08.85 200 CHEV Diekirch
Laevaert Tim 25.01.87 190 CHEV Diekirch
Lentz Ralf 02.02.81 200 VC Strassen
Lux Jan 21.06.84 201 TV Düren (D)
Majchrzak Maciek 14.07.82 193
Majerus Max 20.03.89 187 CHEV Diekirch
Nizard Gilles 18.12.90 186 VC Strassen
Obdeijn Florent 15.03.88 186 CHEV Diekirch
Stutz Juan Pablo 18.08.83 191 VC Strassen
Vosahlo Frantisek 24.07.89 190 VC Strassen
Coach Disch Burkhard

Scotland – Latvia 2:3 (25:16, 15:25, 31:29, 12:25, 12:15)

The first confrontation between this year’s Men’s team ended up in a spectacular five-set thriller. Scotland surprised the Latvian team in the first set and came to the fore. However, Latvia turned the tide and threw their opponents off the guard by winning the second set to 15. Scotland was able to come again into play, winning the thrilling third set 31:29. Nevertheless, the leading team from Scotland again totally lost the concentration, loosing the fourth set to 12. Latvia could reach a lead over Scotland, changing the sides at a score of 8:1. Scotland sensationally was able to reduce the difference in points until 11:8. In the end, Latvia could edge out Scotland at the decisive score of 15:12.

Austria - Luxembourg 3:0 (25:17, 28:26, 25:11)

The Austrian men started the first set offensively, using every small mistake on the Luxembourgish side and coming into the fore. The Luxembourgish coach Burkhard Disch had to take his first timeout at a score of 10:5. Luxembourg kept on playing with a pulled handbrake, quickly falling behind until the second technical timeout at 16:8. In the second part of the match, the host team still could not cope with the force of its opponent, remaining with few opportunities to score. At a score of 22:12 Luxembourg slowly came into play by reducing the number of self-caused mistakes and forcing Austria to make them instead. In the end, Austria could win the first set unspectacularly 25:17.

Disch slightly changed his starting six in the second set with Andy Koenig replacing outside hitter Tim Laevaert. The second round started more balanced with Luxembourg acting less defensively. The host team balanced the score at 8:8 and took over the leadership at 10:9. Thereupon, Austria strengthened its block and could win the following six points. Disch again substituted the Argentian-Luxembourgish player Juan Pablo Stutz (as already in the first set) with the young talent Djamel Belhaouci. Luxembourg reduced the difference until the score of 16:14. Following the loss of two points in the row, Disch took a timeout at 18:14. Nevertheless, the Austrian player Thomas Zass continued to serve effectively, bringing the guests into the fore. Thereafter, Austria could not hold its concentration up, making various mistakes in the attack. Luxembourg could balance at 22:22. An unfortunate move hurt main setter Gilles Braas. As a consequence, the young setter Max Majerus entered the court. The good Luxembourgish block (above all Frantisek Vosahlo) could fend off the Austrian match ball. In the end, the favourite could make the two decisive points, winning 28:26.

In the third set, Disch pinned his trust again on the six players from the end of the previous set. Austria came to the fore, leading 8:5 at the first technical timeout. However, the host team seemed to have lost its spirit, falling behind until a score of 10:5 and then 16:6. Luxembourg stood in its own light, loosing the courage and point after point accordingly. In the end, Austria defeated Luxembourg 25:11.

Austria - Latvia 3:0 (25:19, 25:21, 25:15) Photo Gallery

The favourite of this year’s tournament from Austria started the second match as he ended the previous one. Strong attacks and the non-compact block of its opponent led quickly to a 7:2 advance for Austria. Latvia was not able to oppose the attacks of Thomas Zass and Simon Frühbauer. After the second technical timeout, Latvia could reduce the difference in points from 15:9 to 16:12, thanks to effective services and a good fighting spirit. In the end, the team from the European Northeast could not keep up with the Austrian team around interim coach Florian Sedlacek, loosing the first set to 19.

In the second set, Latvia improved its concentration. Nevertheless, Austria went into the first technical timeout leading 8:4. In the second part of the set, Latvia increased its offensive play, using the strengths of its main attackers Kristaps Septe and Haralds Regza. At a score of 16:13 for Austria, the referee announced the second technical timeout. Thereafter, Austria used the Latvian failures in service and reception, steadily holding its advance of four points until 25:21.

The third set turned out to be even more balances. Latvia could in parts gain the lead, by improving their blocking behaviour and using the opponent block more effectively. However, Austria did not loose the plot, leading 8:6 at the first technical timeout, entering the 10-point line as first and finishing the second technical timeout with a score of 17:11. The Latvian attackers could not cope with the improving Austrian block. The favourite could score several points in a row. Latvia fell behind until a final score of 25:15.
The Austrian team is using the Novotel-Cup as a preparation tournament, giving the young talents the opportunity to recommend themselves for the European Championships 2011, taking place in their own country.

Luxembourg - Scotland 3:0 (25:23, 25:18, 32:30) Photo Gallery

After the two injuries in this year’s first match against Austria, the Luxembourgish coach Burkhard Disch could again count on his first setter Gilles Braas, who felt better after the cramps in the calves on Friday. However, as the middle blocker Jan Lux injured his foot in the last set of the first match, Ben Angelsberg got the chance to prove his skills. Scotland started powerful in the first couple of minutes, catching the host team red-handed and quickly gaining an advance of four points. However, Luxembourg reached to tie the score at 7:7, loosing thereupon two points due to failures in the attack. The host team, nevertheless, scored again, turning the match into a neck-and-neck race. Luxembourg could enter the second technical timeout with an advance of two points, then the 20 points mark, mainly scoring with Maciek Majchrzak (diagonal), Juan Pablo Stutz and Andy Koenig (outside hitters) on the net. A failure in service from Juan Pablo Stutz prevented the early finish of the set at 25:20. Luxembourg again lost three points in a row. The tension of the crown increased. A failure in service on the Scottish side finally released the host team, winning the first set 25:23.

In the second set, Burkhard Disch pinned his trust on the same starting six. Scotland convinced with a spectacular defence, but both teams gave each other a run for their money, resulting into a marginal score. The referee announced the first technical timeout at a score of 8:7 for the Luxembourgish men, who reached theirs ten points first. Both teams delighted the numerous spectators with spectacular Volleyball on a high level. Second technical timeout - 16:11 for Luxembourg. Luxembourg accelerated its play, achieving a five points advance at 20:15. Scotland made too many mistakes in its service, bringing its opponent more and more into play. Scotland tried a double substitution. However, Luxembourg got his first match ball at 24:17. Scotland was able to fend off the loss of the second set for the time being. A hit by Juan Pablo Stutz from the backcourt finally ended the second set at 25:18.

Third set - same formation. Scotland’s incredible defence actions continued to amaze the spectators. In spite of this, the Luxembourgish attackers Andy Koenig and Ralf Lentz used every hole, leaving the Scottish team in parts without any chances. Scotland fell two points behind at 8:6, but tied the score at 9:9. The Luxembourgish setter Gilles Braas kept on surprising the guests with second balls and a clever distribution. Luxembourg started the second technical timeout with one point in advance. However, due to loss of concentration on the Luxembourgish side Scotland could score several points, reaching a three-point advantage at 21:18. Luxembourg tied the score to 22:20 and then balanced it with two attacks from Djamel Belhaouci, who substituted Andy Koenig. Scotland got the first match ball at 24:23, which Maciek Majchrzak was able to fend off. The Scottish middle blocker Stuart Edgar scored again. The following points were a tense fight between Luxembourg, fending off the match balls and Scotland, loosing its advance with failures in service. At a score of 29:28 Luxembourg was able to reach its first match ball in the third set, but Scotland balanced. Luxembourg got another three match balls until the final score at 32:30.

Austria - Scotland 3:0 (25:20, 25:19, 25:15) Photo Gallery

The unbeaten favourite from Austria started with a clear construction in the first set, whereas Scotland made to many self-caused mistakes. Consequently, Austria led 8:5 at the first technical timeout. The Austrian men could keep up their advance, when entering the ten-point mark. Above all, Thomas Zass kept on causing problems for the Scottish reception and defence. At the second technical timeout Austria still maintained its three-point advance, which it could expand until the final score of 25:20.

The second set started balanced. The team from the British Island was able to keep up, leading into the first technical timeout 8:7. Austria balanced at 9:9, but the Scottish diagonal player Callum Green smashed block-out. Austria, however, completely turned the tide, when Scotland’s concentration fell. The favourite entered the second technical timeout 16:11. Austria could hold up the lead until the end score of 25:19.

With the supporting cheering from its fans, Scotland was able to score the first points. However, Austria led two points ahead when the referee whistled for the first technical timeout. Despite the Scottish efforts, Austria could again expand its advance to 16:8. The tension within the hall grew and the spectators were cheering for each ball change. Austria finally decided the match 3:0 at an end score of 25:15. With three 3:0 victories the Austrian men are the champions of the Men’s category of Novotel-Cup 2010.

Luxembourg - Latvia 3:2 (25:20, 28:30, 19:25, 25:20, 15:13) Photo Gallery

For the last match of the Novotel-Cup 2010 the FLVB was proud to welcome the Luxembourgish sports minister Romain Schneider, the CEV president André Meyer and the COSL representatives Rita Krombach and Pol Marcy.

Even though Andy Koenig and Djamel Belhouci had proven theirs skills in the match against Scotland, Burkhard Disch pinned his trust on starter Tim Laevaert. Additionally, after his light injury on Friday Jan Lux was able to play again. As libero Dominik Husi had to go back to Switzerland for a club match, Philippe Augustin took over the charge of the libero.
The last match of this year’s Novotel-Cup started balanced with a change of service - point after point. Luxembourg could reach the second technical timeout with a two-point advance. Latvia could first balance and then gain the lead after an uncoordinated reception from Luxembourg. With an outside hit from Maciek Majchrzak Luxembourg got the service back and lost it right away after a failure in service from Tim Laevaert. Latvia was still not able to block the superior playing Maciek Majchrzak, who scored point after point, forcing the Latvian coach Birzulis Aigars to take a timeout. Luxembourg reached the magical twenty points with two points in advance and Latvia had to take its second timeout. The Luxembourgish middle blocker Jan Lux effectively served until the score of 21:18. After the loss of one point, Luxembourg scored four points, reaching its first set ball. Andy Koenig, substituted at 24:20 for Tim Laevaert, closed the set at a score of 25:20 for Luxembourg.

Second set - same formation for Luxembourg as at the beginning of the first set. After loosing the first two points, Juan Pablo Stutz scored with a block-out smash, but his team lost the following points due to unnecessary mistakes. Latvia led 8:4 during the first technical timeout and could hold up the four-points advance until 10:7, then distributed presents with failures in service and attack. Luxembourg could tie the score to 13:12. The non-compact Luxembourgish block, however, always led enough free space for the Latvian men to score. Clever passes by Gilles Braas, with Maciek Majchrzak finishing, brought the host team to the fore at 15:14. Latvia tried a double substitution at the balanced score of 16:16, but had to take its first timeout at 18:16 and the second one at 21:18. The crowd cheered. Luxembourg seemed to be unstoppable, but Latvia did not give up and could reduce the point difference until 22:21, when Burkhard Disch took a timeout for Luxembourg. Latvia was able to balance at 22:22 and again at 23:23. The tension in the hall climbed. After a long rally Lavia could win the first set ball. Luxembourg balanced at 24:24 and came to the fore at 25:24. Latvia fended off the set ball, but made again a failure in service, giving the Luxembourgish the second set ball. A controversial decision by the first referee resulted into a spectacular 26:26 and after an attack into the net by Juan Pablo Stutz into the lead of Latvia. A failure of service on the Latvian side brought the Luxembourgish team again to the fore. Latvia fended off the next set ball, scored without opponent block over its middle and blocked the next attack, consequently winning the second set 30:28.

In the beginning of the third set, Luxembourg could score the first two points, but Latvia balanced at 3:3 due to some miscommunication on the Luxembourgish side and even came to the fore. However, Luxembourg overtook the lead at 8:7. Latvia tied the score to 9:9 and crossed the ten points at first, resulting into the first timeout taken by Luxembourg at 11:9. Luxembourg was able to again balance at 12:12. Balancing, lead, falling behind - both teams delivered an exciting slugfest. During the middle of the set, the guests were able to reach a small advantage of two points, which quickly became five points until Luxembourg took a needed timeout. Burkhard Disch substituted Djamel Belhaouci for Tim Laevaert and Andy Koenig for Juan Pablo Stutz to grant his players a bit of rest. Another controversial decision of the referee against the Luxembourgish team resulted in the Latvian set ball, which Luxembourg was able to fend off for the time being, but finally scored at 25:19.

In the fourth set Luxembourg started with the six, playing at the end of the last set. Latvia still convinced with spectacular defence actions, but disappointed with too many failures in service. Nevertheless, the guests could save a two-point lead for the first technical timeout. Luxembourg came to the fore at 10:9. An ace by Jan Lux resulted into an 11:9-advantage. Luxembourg was able to hold the lead, went with a positive score of 16:13 into the second technical timeout and spectacularly expanded the difference to 19:13, when the Latvian coach Birzulis Aigars took a timeout. A miscommunication within the Latvian team resulted in a score of 20:14. A block by Ralf Lentz led to 23:17. Latvia countered with two blocks, forcing the Luxembourgish coach to take a timeout at 23:19. A failure in service on the Latvian side brought the first set all for Luxembourg. A single block by Gilles Braas finally heralded the tiebreak.

The tense within the hall was explosive. Luxembourg could reach an exciting two-points lead before changing the sides at 8:6. A clever smash, failure in service from Latvia, a half ace for Luxembourg - the host team led 11:7. Burkhard Disch substituted Juan Pablo Stutz for Andy Koenig to stabilise the reception and defence. Luxembourg could score and led 13:9 when Latvia took his second time out. A block-out smash by Maciek Majchrzak brought the set ball at 14:11. Latvia could fend off and got two points, resulting into a timeout for Luxembourg. Two referee decisions against Luxembourg led to the minimal score difference of one point at 14:13. With a block-out Maciek Majchrzak released the tension. Luxembourg won the match 15:13 in the last set. The crowd cheered.