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Thursday, 23 July 2009 |
 The opening game in group E has seen hosts Serbia overpower Olympic and
defending World League champions the USA in straight sets (25:20,
25:23, 25:21).
An excellent crowed and electric atmoshpere in Beogradska Arena was entertained by some excellent volleyball from the hosts, although many thought the match would have been closer, the Serbian team and fans will be very pleased with the convincing victory after suffering heart breaking defeats to the Americans at last years World League final and in the Olympic Games in Beijing where the USA won a blockbuster quarter final 3:2 and went on to win the gold.
Serbia dominated in all fields of play not letting there opponents come close in scoring when it mattered. Led by inspirational captain Nikola Grbic who had a fine game, and the always outstanding Ivan Miljkovic, the boys in blue enjoyed there win and are now in excellent form ahead of the game against the Russians on Friday, while the Americans need to start playing more convincing volleyball if they are to overcome a Russian team tomorrow, A Russian led by there Italian coach, Daniele Bagnoli can never be cancelled out and will always be dangerous.
Before the start of the match a tribute was held in front of an overwhelmed crowed to Serbia´s gold medal winning team from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Three players from that team are still playing for Serbia today, they are the captain Nikola Grbic, then rising star of world volleyball and now a world class player, Ivan Miljkovic and Andrija Geric who did not take part in todays match.
Janic and coach Kolakovic overlook Nikola Grbic setting up Stankovic
By Alex Milic
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