From left to right, Dragan Stankovic, Nikola Grbic, Roberto Santilli and Gregory Sukochev at the press conference in Novi Sad
Novi Sad, Serbia, June 17, 2015 – Serbia and Australia meet in the FIVB Volleyball World League in Novi Sad and Belgrade over the weekend with both sides needing wins to build some momentum in the competition.
Serbia have won two from six so far, while Australia have won only one match from six, which means victories will be vital for their hopes of progressing as far as possible.
Australia are improving, that was evident when they beat Italy at home last weekend,” Serbia captain Dragan Stankovic said. “It shows how much difference a full arena can make and we hope to have the same support as last weekend because it was highly beneficial.”
Serbia’s two wins so far in this season’s World League came away to Italy in Pesaro, before they came from 2-0 down to Brazil 3-2 thanks to 20 points from Aleksandar Atanasijevic.
The win in Novi Sad against Brazil has sparked the team’s mood and confidence is high before the match with Australia.
“We have constantly worked on our form and playing together, developing some systems that can be included in our game,” Serbia coach Nikola Grbic said. “The first three weekends were extremely important for us as we worked through building up our form and game. We only need to follow that path, without worrying about who is on the other side of the net and play the best we can.”
Australia’s only victory came away to Italy. Thomas Edgar weighed in with 22 points as the team from down under defeated the bronze medallists from the past two seasons.
The matches in Novi Sad and Belgrade are the first time the two sides have met this year, with their previous fixtures against Brazil and Italy.
“We have some new young players that are stepping out in their international careers, but they need more experience,” Australia coach Roberto Santilli said. “That said we are playing against the best teams in the World. Our job is to work well and prepare as best we can so the players can play their very best.”