World 24th-ranked China celebrated their head coach Vital Heynens 56th birthday by defeating Serbia in straight sets at the FIVB Mens Volleyball Nations League in Xian, northwest Chinas Shaanxi Province, on Thursday.World No.
10 Serbia had actually formerly won all 10 conferences versus China considering that 2010, including a 3-0 sweep in their latest clash at the Nations League in 2023.
Just 24 hours after suffering a 3-0 loss to world No.
6 Japan, a match in which Heynen said his group didnt play as a group and didnt show what they perform in training, China bounced back.Meanwhile, it is indisputable that Serbia had actually come off a grueling five-set triumph late the previous night.
The Serbians are worn out, stated Heynen.
We had the home advantage.
They played after us yesterday.
Both teams started the match intensely, with ball game seesawing early on.
Chinese 33-year-old veteran Ji Daoshuai played a key role in the very first set, contributing eight indicate assist China take it 25-23.
After winning another close set 25-23, China acquired more confidence and momentum.
Serbia called a timeout tracking 13-18 in the 3rd set, however the energized Chinese squad kept their composure, sealing the set 25-20 to secure a historic victory.With the victory, China made 15.98 points, going up to world No.
20 in the rankings, while Serbia fell to 12th place.
China played truly well today, while we didnt, stated Serbia captain Marko Ivovic, who had a team-high 12 points.
Maybe it was since we played a late match the other day and lost a lot of energy.
I believe China is more patient than in the past.
Theyre beginning to play more like European teams, like the French.
More patient and waiting on the ideal moments.
They used possibilities better than we did, and that made the difference, Ivovic included.
They did a tidy beach ball without mistakes.
They should have the win.
They were smarter than us in turning points, said Serbia head coach Cretu Gheorghe.After the post-match interview, Heynen led the team on a lap around the court, high-fiving fans in event.
The home crowd sang Happy Birthday, delivering their special birthday wishes to the coach.
Were going to win a lot more.
I want to show everyone in China that this maless nationwide group has prospective, Heynen stated.
I constantly forget my birthday, so its a good present.
But Im much happier just for the players, not for me.