Slovenia whips the Netherlands, make grand finals

By Peter Atencio

FIRED UP by a loud Filipino crowd that cheered them, Slovenia got into a fighting mood and put the Netherlands out of playoff contention on Sunday with a 25-20, 32-30, 25-22 verdict in the final day of the Volleyball Nations League men’s tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Two things were on coach Gheorghe Cretu’s mind after they were done with the Dutch spikers as they formally advanced to the Grand Finals in Gdansk, Poland in two weeks’ time.

Their qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024 through rankings was the first thing that got Cretu excited, along with their coming games in the final round.

And all these happened because of the energy that the Slovenians from the big adoring fans which came to watch their game.

Team Slovenia celebrates after beating the Netherlands.

“Both teams showed quality in their games. We need the fans. This is energy for our movements,” said Cretu,