MINSK, 15 May (BelTA) – Belarus lost to Portugal 1-3 in the Pool G of the 2021 CEV EuroVolleyM Qualifiers, BelTA has learned.
The first set began with mixed success for the two teams. The Belarusians and Portuguese were ahead in turns, but the set finished in Portugal's favor.
After the break, the hosts continued to work their way to victory. From the very beginning of the second set, Viktor Beksha's team allowed their opponent to gain a comfortable lead and hold it for the remainder of the set. The coaching staff tried to change the game with substitutions, but the Portuguese won the second set as well.
The Belarusians started the third set with powerful attacks, and the Portuguese were already catching up. However, the excellent play of the visitors did not allow Belarus to return into the game. In the fourth set the Belarusians let their opponents regain the initiative and celebrate the victory, which opened the way to the European Championships.
Rodion Miskevich scored 21 points for Belarus, Vladislav Davyskiba – 18.
The Pool G standings after four competition days are as follows: Portugal – four wins/11 points, Belarus – 2/7, Norway – 1/3, Hungary – 1/3. Belarus keep their playoff chances alive. For that, the Belarusian team needs to beat Hungary and Norway.
