Lausanne, Switzerland, June 3, 2017 - Kazakhstan and Venezuela are set to play their third match in World League history when they come head-to-head Saturday in Frankfurt after splitting wins in their previous encounters - both in five sets.
Head-to-Head• These teams have met three times this century, of which two encounters came in the World League.
• In the 2015 World League, they split victories in two pool matches. Both these matches were decided in five sets.
• Their other encounter came in qualifying for the 2004 Olympic Games in May 2004, with Venezuela winning in straight sets. Both sides failed to qualify for Athens.
Kazakhstan• Kazakhstan lost their opener in straight sets. This was their fifth consecutive loss in the competition, of which four came in straight sets.
• This is only one shy of their longest losing streak in the competition, six matches between 2015 and 2016.
• Last year, Kazakhstan lost their opener 3-0 against Greece, before countering with a straight set win over Chinese Taipei in match two.
• The other of Kazakhstan’s two victories thus far in the World League came in their debut match: 3-2 against Venezuela in 2015.
Venezuela• Venezuela suffered an administrative 3-0 defeat against Austria on Friday.
• Venezuela can now lose for the second time in 2017, which would equal already their number of defeats from last season (W4-L2).
• Venezuela are one set shy of 100 sets won in World League play.