4 - 10 October 2001
Issue No.554
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 4 - 10 October 2001 Issue No.554 |
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Jumping for joy
A fourth place finish by Egypt in the world youth volleyball championship was a pleasant surprise, as Abeer Anwar reports
In a final where finesse outshone height and strength, the boys from Brazil defeated Iran on Sunday in a sweeping 3- 0 victory to take the gold medal in the Under-17 World Youth Volleyball Championship.
The Brazilians, champions of something other than football(top)Egypt's no.10 rises to the occasion against Russia (down)
photos: Salah Ibrahim
In the playoff for third place, Egypt lost out to Russia, the 1999 champions, 3-0, but considered it a victory all the same.
Brazil beat the more solidly built Iranians 25-16, 25-16, 25-18 to win the title for the fifth time and, incredibly, did not lose a set the entire way. "We came with one goal in mind, to take the cup back home," Brazilian coach Percy Onchen said. "So we did not give the Iranians any chance to even lead in a set."
Iran upset Poland in the quarter-finals and Russia in the semis to reach the finals for the first time in its history. "We are the Asian champions and we prepared well. I am very happy although I wanted to take the cup back home," Iran coach Mustafa Karhaneh said.
Egypt, too, made noise by reaching the semi-finals, beating France, one of the favourites, 3-2 in the quarter-finals before going down to Brazil which said earlier it was coming "to take the cup back home."
Egypt's fourth place finish was, nevertheless, an accomplishment that brought accolades from all concerned. "I can't believe it," said Amr Elwani, head of the Egyptian Volleyball Federation. "It was a great challenge and the boys did it. They were able to write a new page in the history of Egyptian civilisation." When Egypt beat France, Elwani was beside himself, jumping up and down in the VIP aisle, congratulating and hugging anyone he could get his arms around.
Egypt coach Sherif El-Shemerli said he was "completely satisfied with the results. We never dreamt of finishing fourth. The players, although still inexperienced, did their best. It's the first time they encountered so many experienced teams in one event."
Egypt's opponents were full of praise for the Pharaohs. Russian coach Andrea Smirnov described Egypt as strong and is improving day by day. "Iran and Egypt, being able to reach the semi- finals, prove that the top places are not a European monopoly," Smirnov said.
French coach Stephane Faure said he had concerns about meeting the Egyptians from the start. "They have huge fan support, one of the direct reasons of our loss. My players were distracted and unable to concentrate."
In the play-off for fifth place, Poland defeated South Korea 3-1 (22-25, 25- 22, 28-26, 25-21) while the French had to settle for seventh with a 3-1 (25-15, 29-27, 19-25, 25-20) victory against Tunisia.
Mohamed Soliemani of Iran was the tournament's top scorer with 110 points. Best striker was Bruno Zanito of Brazil and Russia's Alexander Abrossimai was judged best blocker. Egypt's Ahmed Abdullah was on the elite list as best server while South Korea's Kwak Dong Hyak was best digger. Tunisia's Seifeddine Lamjed was selected the No 1 setter and Iran's Farred Zarif the best receiver.
The championship, held in Cairo from the 22 to 30 September, was deemed successful organisation-wise. "On my very first visit I found that Cairo had a number of sports facilities," said Fruit Huff, the International Volleyball Federation vice president. "It is secure and it has nice places for accommodation. As a result, I did not pay any more visits and I believed this first visit was sufficient."
While giving Egypt credit for a first- time effort in hosting such an event, Huff said there was more to be done. "I think that in coming events, Egypt will be more organised and even more successful."
Added French coach Stephane Faure: "In France we don't have such a great number of indoor halls. The complex is excellent and it was easy for us to move from one hall to the other since they are very near to each other. I think that very soon Egypt will compete strongly at the world level in volleyball and other sports using these facilities."
Brazilian coach Onchen had no complaints. "Everything was wonderful. I couldn't believe they can do it so successfully."
The tournament was not only well- organised but was also colourful. When the French team literally bounced onto the courts they showed their colours in more ways than one. Many of the team members, from the captain down, had dyed their hair a different colour. "We wanted to stand out in the crowd. We wanted to be different," said team captain Radoslav Dimitrov, sporting a shock of bright pink locks. The colours ranged from Radoslav's pink to green, orange, straw blonde and blue. Add this to a couple of dreadlocks and one player who had no hair at all.
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