Finally!
The Netherlands used be one of the world’s top teams in the 90s. The Dutch squad even won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics! Sadly after the historical Olympic achievement in Atlanta, the Oranjes has failed to maintain their game and has not achieved anything major major in the last decade or so.
Due to poor national and international results, The Netherlands is currently ranked #41.
41???
We’re not kidding but that’s about to change!
Over the weekend, Wytze Kooistra and his Dutch teammates defeated Portugal to qualify for the 2013 edition of the prestigious FIVB World League. Under the leadership of Coach Edwin Benne, it looks like Holland is making progress & slowly rebuilding their volleyball program which will hopefully resurrect their glorious days from the 90s.
Europe is a tough continent to gain berths for international tournaments but glad to hear that they have qualified for the World League after missing the last 2 editions.
2013 World League Qualification Results:
Match 1: Netherlands 3-2 Portugal (26-24, 25-23, 24-26, 22-25, 20-18)
Match 2: Netherlands 3-2 Portugal (20-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-21, 15-13)
Playing in front their home fans in the city of Rotterdam truly made this victory even more memorable!
FIVB Images:
Side Dish: Iran is also competing for a spot in the 2013 World League. They defeated Egypt this weekend in Cairo and will n face Japan for the final qualification tournament. Click here for more FIVB info.
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