Team Latvia with high hopes for #EuroVolleyU20M qualifier on home soil
News
The home side representing Latvia is due to play the national teams of Romania, Slovenia and Czech Republic in a #EuroVolleyU20M qualifier that the Latvian Volleyball Federation is hosting this week in Jelgava. The eventual pool winners will punch a ticket to the Final Round of the competition featuring 12 teams – which is due to take place in mid-September in Italy.
The Mayor of Jelgava, Andris Ravins emphasised that the city is very proud of their tradition in team sports, with Volleyball standing out since the local men’s and women’s teams have regularly achieved remarkable results on the national stage. “It is an honour for us to be hosting such a tournament,” Mr Ravins said.
Latvia’s head coach Lauris Iecelnieks is pleased with the work the team has put into before the competition. They had an opportunity to play and train together for almost the whole season; therefore, the coach has high expectations for the days that lie ahead:
“If my players perform as I know they can, they can achieve big things. We have developed great communication among each other, and sometimes we do not even need to speak. One move, one look and the players already know what to do."
Latvia will be playing the Czech Republic to start their campaign on home soil: “Czech teams usually have very good players, but I hope we are ready to surprise them. I hope my players will perform as well as I know they are capable of; at the end of the day, the points scored will determine which sides emerges on top.”