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CANADA v RUSSIA
On paper this should be evenly matched. Canada leads Russia in most statistical categories, somewhat surprisingly including reception and attack (kill% and efficiency) where historically Russia have been better. Canada are also better in defence (CAR% = counterattack %). Russia on the other hand are the second best team in the tournament in the breakpoint phase, through strong serving (2nd in ace%) and blocking (1st in point %).
Individually, Canadian captain Gord Perrin is the best outside for the tournament in attack. His receiving partner Nick Hoag is 5th in aces. Middle Lukas Van Berkel is having a great tournament and is the best all around middle, being 5th in attack and 4th in block percentage. For Russia none of the players are having great individual performances except for the middles Volvich and Iakovlev who are in the top 8 in block percentage for middles, and Volkov who is the best blocking outside.
ITALY v ARGENTINA
Italy’s strength lies in their sideout, attack and block. Argentina are a great ball handling team team, being third in reception and 2nd in defence.
The leading player for Italy has been, as always, Juantorena who is the 5th best outside hitter in attack, along with all the small ways he influences the game. Young star Michieletto has slowed after a great start, but he is 3rd in aces. For Argentina, Bruno Lima has emerged as their star player, and is the best attacking opposite. Agustin Loser has also been excellent, being 6th in attack and 5th in block to go with very good serving.
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JAPAN v BRAZIL
Japan playing in the slighly weaker pool have done well in several performance measures. On the back of their excellent reception (2nd) they have the 3rd best sideout success. Expectedly, they have not done as well on the breakpoint side of the equation with below average serving, poor blocking and unsuccesful defence. Brazil have done well in the breakpoint phase (4th), but are right around the middle of the pack in other areas, reflecting their inconsistent performances.
Individually, Lucarrelli has been the standout as the 8th best outside in attack and 4th in overall ace percentage. Thales is the 2nd best receiver and Lucas is having an excellent tournament in block, being 2nd among middles. For Japan Nishida has improved over the course of the tournament and is 4th in attack among opposites. The young outside Takahashi ranks 5th in reception.
POLAND v FRANCE
Poland leads the tournament in every statistical category except for block (2nd) and defence (7th). France have been very good in attack (3rd) and defence (3rd). They have been very poor in serve, ranking 11th in ace percentage.
Individually, the opposites are very evenly matched in attack with Kurek 2nd and Patry 3rd. Aside from the opposites, the Polish attack has been led by their middles Bieniek Kochanowski who are ranked 1st and 3rd. The French outsides Clevenot and Ngapeth are 6th and 7th in attack respectively. Surprisingly absolutely noone, Leon is the best ranked server. Zatorski is the tournament’s best receiver.
As always statistics and reports are produced by using Science Untangled apps.
Do you want to learn about teaching midde blockers? Would you like a sneak preview into my practice? Do you want to improve you communication skills? Those and other educational modules available here.
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