Germany - Switzerland

At 20.55 it was over, a memorable beachvolleyball night came to an end. It was standing 19 - 20 in the 3rd set, and Stefan was serving for Germany. Quite a good serve, but no problem for an exellent Daniel. Team senior Marc finished a fine combination with a ball that forced the German team to the decisive error. The few fans, which found the way to IKSU hallen despite bad weather, were cheering and celebrating a great sport evening. Marc, who played probably his last game on the Umeå Nations Cup tour was standing in the sand and reflected over the game, "it's nice to finish my career here with this important victory, but it is also sad somehow, that it is over now. I'd like to play more, but my floorball career is calling and the offer of the Degersheim Allstars was to good to refuse it."

The game was played on a high level and was closer as it might seem now. A glad swiss captain, who played rather inconspicuous today, after the game, "well, Germany played better than some might have expected, but I warned my team before, that it won't be an easy game. There were some critical moments, but I'm happy that we managed it allways to gain concentration again". The first set began well for Switerland and Germany had some coordination problems, Belgian import Stein about this problem, "yeah, we had some understanding problems, I didn't feel integrated during the first set. We might have needed a training before. But it became better and better during the game". The first set was a clear thing and ended with a clever point of Rikka.

In the second set, Germany got better and German high-flyer Ralf confused the Swiss players with his unconventional way to play. Ralf himself interpreted it like this "well, I learned to play on the streets, that explains probably my unusual style". The german pressure was continuously growing, but a outstanding Daniel kept Switzerland in the game. Then the Swiss team was concentrated again and like in the first set, it was Rikka, who made the last point, "I'm glad it went that well, and that I could contribute my part to crush Germany" she stated afterwards.

The third set was very close and even till the end. Both teams played their best volleyball and fighted for every ball. German rock Stefan, who was once more a solid value tried to explain, why they lost also this set, "I think we had the momentum on our side several times, but unfortunately we could not keep it. But also congratulations to the Swiss team, which played this 3rd set like made of a piece". After 50 hard-fought minutes was the Swiss victory a fact.
A slightly disappointed German captain Jakob tried to analyse what happend, "I take the responsibility for this defeat. Maybe I haven't prepared my team enough". Furthermore, he promised a re-match. Sportive director Daniel is also already looking into the future, "I'm happy with the performance of the team today, but it will be hard to defend our title. Rikka is a promising talent, but after Marc's retirement we have to find a equivalent substitution, which won't be easy".

Germany - Switzerland, 0 - 3 (15-21, 16-21, 19-21)

IKSU Hallen, Umeå