Germany celebrates during a VNL match.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Germany ended its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) stint with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-20 victory over Iran as it shifts its focus to the Paris Olympics on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Moritz Karlitzek delivered the goods for the Germans with 21 points off 17 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, while Moritz Reichert added 13 points to finish their VNL stint with a 5-7 record.
“We’re super happy that we finished the VNL this year for us with a victory and can go home with a good feeling,” Karlitzek told reporters.
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“The tournament here was perfectly organized. We felt really well and also playing in front of the crowd was amazing. The fans were all the time supporting us so we had a good time. Thank you for supporting us and making this event nice and well,” he added.
Gyorgy Grozer, who sat out the game, was proud of their campaign despite not making it to the Final Eight.
It was very important for our team to finish the VNL with one very good game. Iran showed this week that they are very strong also against USA and other teams. So for us, it was important I think that we played good and we go home with the final result of 3-0,” Grozer said.
“I think we did our maximum in the VNL. We had some players who were resting in the beginning. I think for us it was the perfect practice games before the Olympics to find more and more together. Of course, we need still time, we have one month more so we will work on some things more.”
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Germany will fly back home hours after its game as Grozer expressed his gratitude to the Filipino fans.
“It was amazing. I hope there will be next time also in Manila something with volleyball because I see that people love volleyball whichever country is playing against each other they’re super supportive. Everything was fine and thank you one more time for the fans. It was much easier to play volleyball that’s for sure,” the German veteran said.
Iran wrapped up its VNL with a 2-10 record getting two victories in Manila against powerhouse USA and Netherlands.
Amin Esmaeilnezhad and Poriya Hossein led the Iranians with 19 and 10 points, respectively.