Opposite hitter of Ukraine’s national volleyball team, Vasyl Tupchii, shared his thoughts in an interview with Suspilne Sport about the upcoming opponent of the “blue-and-yellows.”
On Italy’s loss to Belgium
“We watched the Belgians’ match – they played great. Italy has a solid block, tall middle blockers, high attack, everyone hits from a good height, powerful serves. They’re a top team, which is why everything worked for [Belgium]. I don’t agree with the Italians that they only started playing from the third set. The way Belgium played – they simply didn’t let them play. Only in the third set, when substitutions were made, did it work, but overall Belgium had the chance to ‘close’ them 3:0.”
On how to start the game
“From the first ball – start aggressively, serve aggressively, because without that there’s nothing to do there. [Play] with emotions, desire, with competitive anger. If everything works out, then the result will also be positive.”
On his feelings after the win against Algeria
“To be honest, in the first half of the set [against Algeria] I didn’t feel very comfortable. I needed time to get into the game. Thanks to the coach for not substituting me and letting me feel the rhythm – then everything was fine.”
On the mindset before the decisive match against Italy
“Everything is possible, as this World Championship shows – there is nothing impossible here. The French have already lost, and so have the Italians. We need to go out and fight. If we do everything we can, then the result will come.”
Reminder: Raúl Lozano’s team will play their next match on Thursday, September 18, at 16:30 against reigning world champions Italy. For Ukraine, this will be the decisive clash in Group F. A win with any score will secure the “blue-and-yellows” a place in the playoffs. Online broadcast.
