Lausanne, Switzerland, June 7, 2017 – Austria is counting down the days until it plays host to the FIVB Volleyball World League for the first time.
Germany, Spain and Mexico will travel to Austria where they will take on the host nation in the TipsArena in Linz for the second week of action in Group 3.
Michael Warm’s team opened the tournament with victories over Venezuela and Kazakhstan, and a defeat to Germany in Frankfurt.
“Now we have established ourselves in the FIVB World League,” Austria coach Michael Warm said. “What is more, following our second success we are on course for a place in the Final Four.”
Germany and Spain will arrive in Austria having won all three of their matches so far. Austria are fourth in the standings, with Tunisia in third place and Mexico in fifth.
The Final Four will take place in Leon, Mexico on June 17 and 18.
“This will be such a challenging tournament,” Warm said. “All four teams are listed in the top five, but in every single match we have a chance to win, even if our opponents represent top level.
“Germany are a very strong team and for me it is a very special match as well because I have coached six players in the German team at United Volleys Rhein-Main.”
Austria will be led on court by captain Peter Wohlfahrtstatter and he will be ably supported by Alexander Berger, Paul Buchegger and Philipp Kroiss.
Wing spiker Berger has enjoyed a stellar season with Perugia, who he helped to the Champions League Final.
“Of course, we are very happy to start our home tournament with six points in the bank,” Berger said. “We are eager to take revenge on the Germans for the loss in Frankfurt.”