Czechs rip Tunisians, extend dream run
The Czechs went straight to their countrymen in the stands of Mall of Asia Arena to celebrate their historic entry into the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship quarterfinals on Tuesday after bundling out Tunisia, 25-19, 25-18, 25-23.
The jubilation was worth it, as their country carrying a new name technically made its first top eight appearance, and first since Czechia was known as the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic in 1986, as Patrik Indra leading the balanced attack with 14 points.
“We really appreciate this because Czech Republic is many thousands of miles (away),” Indra said of their rabid fans. “Some of them live here, some of them are from Czech Republic so we appreciate everybody here. It was amazing. We heard them in the stands during the game so it gave us for some (strength) and I hope they will come also next game.”
Czechoslovakia won this event two times, in 1956 and 1966. And its best finish after that was eighth 39 years ago in France.
That’s why this is special, as Indra believes this signals the Czech Renaissance in volleyball.
“It’s a long time for sure,” Indra said. “The Czech Republic is waiting for success, and already now we are writing history because in 1986 it was not Czech, it was Czechoslovakia.
“So now, like it’s the best finish so far. We will try to extend this amazing road and we will see what happens next round,” he added.
Up next for Czechia for a place in the Final Four would either be Serbia, which it beat in Pool H, or Iran, in the quarterfinal on Thursday.
“It doesn’t matter who we will play. We need to show all the time our best because nobody here is easy,” said Jan Golabov, who scored 13 points. “We have to prepare ourselves maximum physically as we can and we’ll see what will happen.”
Galabov is as determined to make their country proud in volleyball, as the Czechs’ top sports are ice hockey and football.
“Honestly, volleyball isn’t really a popular sport in the Czech Republic,” Golabov said. “There’s not a huge fan base. But I really hope that with the historic successes we’re bringing home, more people will start following volleyball.
“I really wish for that to happen,” said Galabov.
With their confidence at a high, the Czechs are raring to play anyone on Thursday.
“We played against (Serbia) in the group stage already, so we have some data from that game,” Golabov said. “It will be an incredibly tough match because Serbia’s performance is improving, and so is ours.
It will be interesting to see what both sides can bring, and we’ll do our best to repeat the winning result from the first game.
Ali Bongui and Oussama Ben Romdhane led Tunisia with 10 points each, bowing out in the round of 16 despite being the top Pool A finisher.
