If someone said Slovenia is a top team in this ECH, I agree. But if someone said Slovenia is a top team in the world, I do not agree. A top team, by default, should be defined or checked by spanning a certain period of time, such as a few years, to make it more convincing. Just my 2 cents.
Just to touch briefly on yesterdays discussion. I totally agree, my point was that Slovenia's NT is a top team right now, in ECH 2019. They're in hot form and were also helped by the stunning support of the home crowd.
As for the future, we will see what will happen. They will need more top finish results to establish themselves. The core of the team has played together for a long time now but consistency has always been an issue with the team. As well as the lack of adequate substitutes.
First chance to impress again will be at the OQT in Berlin in January, 2020. I'm looking forward to see what the team can do away from home and hopefuly they can continue to impress because they look strong right now. The qualifier will be brutal though. In addition, it will be interesting to finally see them play in VNL.
Yesterday was not the result I expected. France looked really solid against Italy, while Serbia was quite shaky against Ukraine. I'm no expert but I always say blocking wins games and Serbia blocked well, really well. It decided the game in my opinion. Both teams made mistakes but I felt Serbia was more consistent throughout the game while France was more hot and cold. Also, it's been a while since the last game I saw with this many serve line faults.
Anyone knows why Tillie was not playing?
Not the 3rd place match I was expecting, especially not after the group stage ended.
I'm really looking forward to it and hoping it will be a good match. It will be interesting to see which team can bounce back.
Slovenia and Serbia played two matches in Ljubljana, before the tournament in preperation for the ECH.
Serbia won both games. First 3:2 and the second 3:0 where Cebulj was not playing for Slovenia due to a light injury.
The odds are in Serbia's favour but Slovenia outdid their odds time and time again this tournament so hopefully they can go all the way.