Trieste, Italy, September 27, 2014 – 2600 spectators saw a superior Serbia dominate Canada 3-1 (25-7, 26-28, 25-21, 25-15) in the second match of the fourth day, Pool B, of the 2014 FIVB Women’s World Championship.
Key Facts
• Serbia played against Canada for the first time at World Championship.
• Serbia are already qualified for the second round in the Women’s World Championship.
• Serbia have won their first four matches of a single World Championship for the third consecutive time (2006, 2010).
• Canada are on a 16-match losing streak against European opposition in the competition (1978-2014).
Top scorer for Serbia was Milena Rasic with 17 points, followed by Tijana Boskovic (15) and Jelena Nikolic (13). For Canada Kyla Richey was the best scorer with 13 points, then Charuk Lucille and Marcelle Shanice with 11 points each.
After Milena Rasic’s ace and a game of perfect block and attack, Serbia had a 7-0 advantage. After the first technical timeout, Serbia jumped into 11-2 lead. At 14-3, Canada coach Arnd Ludwig made a double change to try and catch a few points. Never the less Serbia with seven points in a row, including an ace, took the set 25-7. Canada scored only two direct points in attack in the first set.
Unexpectedly in the second set Canada managed to bring out big quality and took a temporary lead 10-3. Canada looked a different team this set. Serbia lost momentum and they looked desperate at 13-3. At the second technical timeout, Canada were still ahead 16-11, even though Serbia realized six straight points from 12-4 to 12-9. Serbia crept back into this set, moving the match in an exciting point-by-point final at the end of the second period. After a misunderstanding on the Serbian side, Canada ended the second set 26-28 in their favor.
In the third set Serbia regained momentum and started on a 6-2 lead. At the second technical break, Canada was already trailing by six points. Tijana Boskovic, who replaced Jovana Brakocevic, brought Serbia to the 20th point and guided her team towards victory at 25-21.
Serbia kept the upper hand at the start of the fourth set with Boskovic continuing her impressive show at the net. Canada tried to contain Serbia’s attack and with good defense, they reduced the margin to two points at 14-12. However, Serbia regained control of the match (21-13) and the end of the set came quickly with Serbia overwhelming Canada 25-15.