2012 World League Pools

APRIL 13th, UPDATE: Below is the updated schedule of the Intercontinental Round. Take note, Cuba won’t be able to host any matches in their country so they’ll fly to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic instead. How nice of the Dominican Rep to volunteer and host Cuba’s matches.

In case you didn’t know, the Final Round will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria from July 4th-8th.

Before we forget, we have a surprise for you.

Click here to take a VIRTUAL TRIP of the Arena Armeec.

Click here to take a VIRTUAL TRIP of the Arena Armeec.

Click here to take a VIRTUAL TRIP of the Arena Armeec.

Are You Excited?

We Are!

We Are!

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February 10th, 2012 UPDATE from the FIVB: The 2012 World League Preliminary Round Host Cities.

OMG! The cities are in except for the host city in Korea.

Who’s going?

We’ve started planning for our trip to DALLAS.

Any other fans out there planning to watch the WORLD LEAGUE?

Are you excited? We are! We are!

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December 23rd UPDATE from The FIVB:

“For the first time in the tournament’s history, the World League Intercontinental Round, still featuring 16 teams across four pools, will be played in four weeks with each country hosting all four teams in their respective pool on one weekend each. Each pool will play at the same time with the exception of the first weekend which will take place between May 18 and 27 to fit in with the various continental competitions also taking place at the time. The second weekend will be held from June 15 to 17 ahead of the third from June 22 to 24 and the fourth from June 29 to July 1.”

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O M G!

This is going to be another EPIC World League Tourney!

So we’re not sure if this is the official pool composition and intercontinental round schedule but since some European media (like sportal.bg) have released it then we’re inclined to believe that it’s the real thing. Anyways, with Bulgaria as the Final Round host no doubt the gym is going to be loud and packed. Most importantly, teams who have qualified for the 2012 Olympics will use this tournament to evaluate their conditions before heading to London.

Take note, rumor has it that there will only be 1 home and 1 away matches unlike the previous editions with 2 home and away. The system has to be changed due to Olympics which will be a couple of months after the World League. We’re not sure how the schedule would be like so let’s wait til the FIVB gods release the specific details.

By the way, Only 6 of the 16 teams will travel to Sofia, Bulgaria for the Final Round from July 4th – 8th. So it’d be the host Bulgaria together with the top team from each pool and the best second ranked team.

Group A:
Japan
Cuba
Russia
Serbia

Volleywood Thoughts on Group A: This is going to be the toughest pool! We hate to say this but Japan needs to start training like tomorrow since they’ll face defending champs Russia, the rising Cuba and Serbia. Being in this very strong pool limits Japan’s chances to become the first Asian team to qualify for the Final Round. Bummer!

Group B:
Canada
Brazil
Poland
Finland

Volleywood Thoughts on Group B: There’s no doubt Brazil and Poland will fight for the top spot in this group. However, let’s not underestimate the Canadians and also the Fins because over the last year or two they have improved tremendously.

Group C:
France
Republic of Korea
Italy
USA

Volleywood Thoughts on Group C: Another tough pool but Italy has the edge over the other 3 teams to win the group. USA and France will fight for the runner up position but South Korea can cause some major major upsets in this group.

Group D:
Germany
Argentina
Portugal
Bulgaria

Volleywood Thoughts on Group D: Bulgaria has what it takes to win this pool. If this happens then 2 of the best second ranked teams advance to the Final Round. Argentina is the favorite to win this pool since we have a feeling Bulgaria will let it’s second stringers play for experience and save the main players for the Finals. Let’s not forget Germany who can be the dark horse in this group.

THOUGHTS?

THOUGHTS?

THOUGHTS?

(images: FIVB)