Northern Ireland beats Liechtenstein in Pool B
The first match of the day was crucial for Northern Ireland which secured its first win 3-1, over Liechtenstein, sets results, 25-23, 25-17, 21-25 and 25-17. The first set was competitive and only at the very end did the brave boys from the north secure the 2-point lead needed, giving them the extra boost to win the 2nd set also. With the back against the wall, Liechtenstein came back taking the third set but in the fourth set, the Northern Ireland team had the stamina to secure their first win in the championships giving them the possibility to play for a medal while Liechtenstein ended their pool phase in the third place.
Luxembourg secured the top of Pool B
In the second match of the day, Luxembourg faced strong efforts from the Northern Irish team, despite its 3-0 win. The first two sets ended with 2 points victory, 26-24, 25-23 and 25-13. Both teams qualified for the final phase with a chance for a medal. Luxembourg will face Ireland in the semifinals tomorrow while Northern Ireland will face the home team of Andorra.
Ireland wins in 3 straight sets in Pool A
In pool A, Ireland played its first match against its rivals from Gibraltar. Despite the hard efforts of the young promising team of Gibraltar, the green army of Irelanders secured their win in 3 straight sets, 25-11, 25-7 and 25-22, giving them the right to play for a medal. Gibraltar will face Liechtenstein in the decisive match for 5th place.
In the 2nd match in the pool phase, the home team of Andorra secured the first spot by beating the Irish team 3-0, 25-23, 25-15, 25-14. It was only in the first set that the Irish team showed the claws that were not sharp enough to overcome the well-organized tactics of the home team. Both teams secured their spot in the semi-finals on Friday.
Pool A
1st – Andorra
2nd – Ireland
3rd – Gibraltar
Pool B
1st – Luxembourg
2nd – Northern Ireland
3rd – Liechtenstein
CEV Small Countries Association 