The German volleyball men started the Nations League with a defeat. Coach Michal Winiarski’s team lost 3-1 (24:26, 16:25, 25:19, 15:25) against the favorites from Brazil in Ottawa, Canada.
“We started really well and did a lot of things right, so it’s bitter that we don’t win the first set,” said captain Lukas Kampa, according to a statement from the German Volleyball Association.
In the games of the Volleyball Nations League, points are awarded for the world rankings, which can ultimately be decisive for the Olympic qualification for Paris 2024. The German men would probably have to make up a few places for that.
The top 16 teams in the world for men and women play against each other in the Nations League at different venues over six weeks. After twelve games per team, the eight best teams advance to the final round. After the games in Ottawa, the German men will play in Rotterdam (Netherlands) and then in Anaheim (USA).