Slovenia defeated Japan to win the FIVB Volleyball World League Group 2 Finals in Gold Coast, Australia on Sunday
Lausanne, Switzerland, June 27, 2017 - It was another fantastic weekend of volleyball as the 2017 World League Group 2 Finals came to a close on Sunday. Enthusiasm, team spirit and high-quality action was demonstrated in every match and ensured a pulsating end to the tournament.
FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° said: "The Slovenian national team deserve much praise after their Group 2 Finals win, a straight sets victory over Japan. The result is even more impressive given that Japan beat Slovenia earlier in the competition."
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"It is Slovenia’s second consecutive World League title, having been victorious in their Group 3 debut last year. This dramatic rise cannot be understated and the Slovenian team’s progress will certainly give inspiration to other nations hopeful of becoming a world class volleyball team in the future."
In total, the two semifinals and final produced 655 points with fiercely contested battles throughout. Japan were pushed all the way to five sets in their semifinal victory over Australia, while the highest scoring set of the week came as Slovenia edged the Netherlands 32-30 on their way to the gold medal match.
The home fans were also given something to cheer about as Australia secured the bronze medal with a win over the Netherlands. Nathan Roberts was a key part of their campaign and he showed his class with 28 points in the semifinal, securing the weekend’s top score.
"The FIVB is continually looking for first rate locations to match the quality on the court and I wish to extend my thanks to Australia for hosting another incredible tournament," added President Graça. "The Gold Coast has proved to be a wonderful home for volleyball, and I am excited to see more volleyball here at the 2018 Commonwealth Games."
"Attention now turns to the 2017 World League Group 1 Finals, which begin on July 4 in Curitiba, Brazil. I am very excited to see who will be crowned champion in a hugely competitive field. As well as the culmination of the 2017 World League, the FIVB is preparing for the 2017 Grand Prix, where the world’s best female volleyball nations will go head to head, starting on 7 July.
"I would like to remind you that all the FIVB World League and World Grand Prix matches are available on
YouTube in the countries where the FIVB does not have a broadcasting partner.
"I am confident that with your continued support this spectacular competition will continue to grow the burgeoning reputation of volleyball across the world."