Russia beat Netherlands 3-0 (25-19, 29-27, 25-18) - duration 1:22
13-Jul, start time: 20:00, end time: 21:22 - Attendance: 2,600 Dutch go down to Russia
The Dutch recovery in the second match of their tie with Russia in the third week of the World League Intercontinental playoffs proved ineffective against the Russian team, even though power was more equally distributed and Dutch attackers like Schuil and Nummerdor proved more successful. The Dutch held the lead in the opening set until the Russians drew even at 13-13, before running up a six-point lead to take the set. In the second set the Netherlands took initiative again, enjoying a spectacular period in which Horstink and Schuil distinguished themselves by very good services and spiking. The set culminated in a thrilling end after Russia leveled at 20-20, drawing the battle lines for the remaining points. Russia needed five set points to seal the second set, which went their way after a line call against Schuil in the closing stages. Russia pulled away from the host side in the third set with strong action in the middle of the court by Olikhver and Koulechov. Russia then exerted strong service pressure to wrap up the set. /mh .
