The Red Dragons needed a win while also hoping Bulgaria defeated Slovakia later in the day, but they never looked like beating a powerful German side.

Despite the win, Germany coach Vital Heynen – who is Belgian – was less than impressed with the attitude of some of his players in the closing stages of the final set.

"We have a lead of 19-13 and I put some other guys in," Heynen said. "It's not about mistakes. You go in (to the court) and do this, this and this. It doesn't matter what the score is, you have to do your job on what we agree. Some guys went in and didn't do that.

"You play to the last point and respect your opponent. You can only say you're better after the match. Not like the third set when some guys come in and smile. No. You play serious volleyball until the last ball."    

In the first game of the day, Poland ran out 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-10) winners against an already eliminated Finland team to maintain their 100 per cent record.  

Poland rotated players throughout and won easily in the third set after a closer first two. Despite being the only team to finish the pool phase unbeaten, Poland coach Andrzej Kowal played down their chances of the gold medal.

"We have a few young players and experienced ones," Kowal said. "If we're in the first four teams in this tournament it will be a success.

"If we win a medal it will be a big success because we created this group three weeks before the tournament." 

 

(baku2015.com)