23-JUNE-2012
BULGARIA STEAL STRAIGHT SETS WIN

Bulgaria moved up to second in Pool D of the 2012 FIVB Volleyball World League after seeing off hosts Portugal by 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22) in Guimaraes on Saturday.

Captain Tsvetan Sokolov proved to be the biggest difference as a young Portuguese side put up a fight.

Sokolov topped the scores with 19 points while Alexandre Ferreira scored 14 for Portugal.

Portugal began well with Ferreira leading them to 6-5. But Bulgaria fought back to go ahead 8-5. Two aces from Marco, Alexandre’s brother, tied the scores for Portugal. Bulgaria however, took the lead once again and continued to lead. Portugal stayed close but it wasn’t enough as Bulgaria drew first blood.

The second set was a different story as Bulgaria pressured their opponents with a strong serve and block while the hosts committed error after error. Marco Ferreira scored another ace and brought Portugal back into the match before two points from Valdir Sequeira tied the score at 13-all and Flavio Gulinelli sent his side into the lead at 16-15. But Sokolov wrestled control back for Bulgaria as they eventually took the set.

Portugal stayed close in the third, tying at five-all but Bulgaria gained a slight edge at 8-6. An ace from Alex brought Portugal closer and an attack from Tiago Violas tied it again at 14-all, but Bulgaria took control once again. Sokolov and Todorov then used their experience to secure the win.