The FIVB has finalized the pool schedule for the 2011 World League! Yehey!
(Is this the unofficial poster?)
Poland will host the Final Round for the 3rd time in 10 years (2001 & 2007). The Final Round will now have 8 teams instead of 6. (The more the merrier!). The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the finals unless Poland fail to finish in the top two, in which case the three best second-placed sides will go through.
According to the FIVB Article:
- Puerto Rico, who will be taking part in the World League for the first time, will host the holders on the opening weekend in Pool A of the competition, which will run from May 27-July 10. In the same group, USA will travel to Poland with both teams looking to improve on their performance in this year’s tournament, where they failed to reach the Final Round.
- Pool B looks likely to be a tight affair as 2010 silver medalists Russia face Germany, Bulgaria and a returning Japan side who missed out on the last edition. Germany, whose 2010 World League appearance was their first since 2003, will travel to Bulgaria for their first match, while Russia host Japan.
- Pool C sees Argentina, the 2010 Final Round hosts, take on Serbia in their first game. Argentina lost 3-0 to the Serbians, bronze medallists this year, in their last meeting so will relish the chance to exact revenge. Egypt and Finland, the section’s two other teams, will face off in a repeat of their opening encounter this year. Egypt won 3-2 on that occasion although Finland struck back subsequently with a 3-1 victory in front of their home fans.
- Pool D will be unique due to the fact that Cuba will play no home matches in the 2011 tournament because of the scheduled redevelopment of their arena. Instead they will take on rivals Italy, France and Korea away from home twice. They begin against Korea while Italy travel to France – again a repeat of the 2010 opening weekend.
SAD Cuba will not host any of their matches. Can’t they finish the redevelopment sooner? For sure the Cuban fans would love to see Leon, Leal, Simon and Friends.
Brazil is still the top favorite to win! Well for sure Poland, Cuba and Russia will put a great show to win the crown. Good luck BBs!
See you in Poland!
WATCH: 2010 World League in Pictures.
(story & images from FIVB/ video music by dj roueche)