Aussies lose to Korea
Posted by devo on June 4, 2008
The Aussies suffered their second loss in a row today at the Olympic qualifying event in Japan. Korea caused a major surprise by beating Australia 3-2 in a magnificent match. Asian champions Australia dropped to 2-2 in a major blow to their Olympic qualifying hopes.
VTAM lost to Korea 2-3 (29-27, 21-25, 25-21, 20-25, 10-15)
Top scorers for Australia: Paul Carroll 22 points, Nathan Roberts 20 points.
Head Coach Russell Borgeaud: We played Korea three times in the last 12 months and every time it has been five very close sets. Korea did an excellent job in the way they played and all credit to them. We are disappointed in our own performance but cannot take anything away from the Korea team’s very excellent play today.
Paul Carroll: I think the match against Japan (on Friday), we are just going to go into with nothing to lose. We know if we win the match, and the others, it is a great chance to go to the Olympic Games. No one on the team is going to hold anything back. We will go in all guns blazing. Today’s game was very disappointing. It was very important to win. Korea played well in the tough times. We will put 100 per cent effort for the last three games in order to get qualified.
Spike Mag ran a description of the game today - thanks guys - and Josh has a summary of what’s yet to come here. It all comes down to the match against Japan on Friday night. And a bit of luck with the other results. Tomorrow is a rest day.
photos ~ match description ~ stats 1 ~ stats 2 ~ press conference ~ standings ~ The Age ~
June 5, 2008 at 1:07 pm
As an Aussie who is on a 12 month sojourn in Canada, it is great to be able to get such great immediate news about Aussie Volleyball. The time difference makes it difficult to watch the matches though. Great to hear such a positive response from Paul Carroll to their second loss. Keep at it you youngsters- Oz is proud of all your efforts. Saw the USA play in the Pan American cup They are tall and tough like Aussies. I would really love to see the Aussies take them on in the Olympics this year.
Denise Williams
June 8, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Hi Denise,
Glad to see that you have not had to go “cold turkey” on the volleyball.