After initial difficulties, the German volleyball players got their first win at the World Cup in Poland and Slovenia.
The team coached by Poland, Michal Winiarski, beat outsiders Cameroon 3-0 (30-28, 25-14, 25-19) in Ljubljana.
The 2014 bronze medalist had to fend off two set balls from outside attacker Linus Weber in the first round of his tournament debut before he was able to secure the section. Moritz Reichert was the best German attacker with 15 points in the mandatory victory.
After the 3-0 defeat at the start against Olympic champions France, the Germans will meet vice-European champions Slovenia in Group D on August 30 (8:30 p.m.). Only the first two teams in each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16.
Open exchange of blows
An open exchange of blows initially developed against Cameroon. In the decisive phase of the first round, however, the Germans were able to increase their block and serve properly. They finally used their fourth set point.
Winiarski’s team immediately found their playful line in the second round. She dominated and even led at 19:9 by a difference of ten points. Outside attacker Weber, who ran out with a thickly bandaged right hand after a broken finger, smashed Germany to win the set.
The third round was initially similar to the opening set. The Germans made too many mistakes, Cameroon acted more concentrated. But Germany quickly recovered, determined the events with 20:12 and got the mandatory victory.