Above: The Australian men’s volleyball side discuss last-minute tactics before serving first against Argentina at Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Monday night.By Glen Atwell
AUSTRALIA thrashed the highly fancied Argentinean volleyball side in an action-packed three sets to one victory at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Monday night.
With a world ranking of 24, Australia served it up to the seventh-ranked Argentina in front of a capacity Dandenong crowd.
With the full house sign swinging on the front door moments before the match was under way, Australia proved too slick for Argentina in a match filled with drama.
The game was a warm-up match for the Volley World Championships in Japan later this month, and despite being billed as a ‘friendly’ it was clear from the moment the first whistle blew that this was out and out competition.
Aside from a small pocket of Argentine fans, Australia was the clear-cut crowd favourite and soaked up the atmosphere to win the first set in style.
As expected, Argentina came out firing in the second set, silencing the Australian fans and showing why it was a top 10 international side.
Marcos Milinkovic led his team with distinction as Argentina powered through the second set 25-13 to level the best-of-five-sets match 1-1.
Australian coach Russell Borgeaud settled his team during the break, and with Nathan Roberts and Paul Carroll in exciting form Australia turned the tables on the second set, winning the third 25-13.
Suddenly, it was game on.
Argentine coach Jon Uriarte became increasingly agitated as Australia continued to find the answer to every question the Argentineans asked.
Uriarte refused to sit down, pacing the sidelines and questioning almost every refereeing decision.
But his whirlwind tactics failed to upset the referees, however, and his attention soon turned to the mistakes being made by his normally faultless side.
As the intensity increased, the match equipment was stretched to breaking point – literally.
With Australia leading by five points in the fourth set and playing with momentum, an Argentinean player was sent sprawling into the net, bending the solid steel pole beyond repair.
A 15-minute delay followed as match officials scrambled to find replacement equipment while players resorted to pre-match routines to stay warm.
When play resumed, Australia picked up exactly where it left off and finished all over the top of Argentina to win the fourth set 25-15 and the match 3-1.
The stadium erupted when Argentine server Gaston Giani sent his serve into the net to give Australia victory in the most unlikely way.
Best on court for Australia were Paul Carroll and Ben Hardy, while Gustavo Porporatto impressed for Argentina.
Australia’s world championship campaign begins on 17 November when it takes on Germany in the first of its group matches.
The Aussies only wish they could take the boisterous Dandenong crowd along.
