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Atanasijevic: If we play good, the Danes can not surprise us

Denmark achieved a historical success by qualifying for eight-finals. Before the tournament they were proclaimed the weakest team. Serbia started playing after a comeback against Netherlands and they are highly motivated. The Danes will have troubles matching their play

Serbia and Denmark are the second match in eight-finals that will be played in Aarhus. Both teams ensured eight-finals positions after wins in their last group matches. Serbia won easily against Finland, 25-20, 25-23 and 25-15 in three sets. The biggest surprise of the day, even of the whole tournament, was Denmark. Although they are playing in their country, they were a total outsiders in their group and nobody gave them even the minimal chances. Against Belgium they suffered their 15th consecutive defeat and nobody saw them winning against Belarus. But in a treat for Denmark fans, they managed to win 3-2 (25-21, 17-25, 23-25, 25-20 and 15-11).

When it mattered the most, Serbian players showed why are they the defending European champions. After a great comeback against Netherlands they won against Finland in a game in which they were absolutely better team from the start to the end and a game in which they dominated with their quality, calm and concentrated play. After an earlier Netherlands win, Serbia needed just two sets to qualify for eight-finals and the win gave them a second place in the group and easier opponent in the next round.

- As I said after win against Netherlands, we had to transfer that energy to the game against Finland, and we did that. We played well, but there is always a room for improvements. Today we showed we have the game to go all the way again - said Atanasijevic after the match.

National team coach started setter Jovovic while the rest of his starting players were as usual. Middle blockers were Podrascanin and Lisinac, receivers Nikic and Kovacevic, opposite Atanasijevic and libero Rosic

At the start of the match we saw two equal teams exchanging in the lead. At the first technical time-out the score was 8-7 in the favor of Serbia. They played point for point until 14-13 when Serbia won two consecutive points and their lead increased to 16-13. Serbia led at the end of the set 21-16, but the Fins came close to 22-19. Serbia responded and grabbed 24-19 lead and then they used their second set ball for 25-20 and 1-0 in sets.

Serbia continued in that rhythm in the second set and had 7-3 lead. Finland came back at 11-11 but Serbia started a series of points and took 15-12 lead. At the second technical time-out the score was 16-14, later 20-17 but the Fins managed to come back at 20-20. For the rest of the set they played point for point and Serbia used their first set ball and won the second set 25-23.

In the third set national team coach gave a chance to Starovic, Rasic, Ivovic and Petric who again proved that Serbia has a good and wide bench. The two were evened until the first technical time-out. Serbia was behind 7-8 but then in a 4-0 series they took the lead. After that they had another 4-0 series and at the second technical time-out their lead was 16-10. Serbia led 23-15 when Marko Ivovic ensured their 25-15 win with two ace serves.

Atanasijevic spoke about the match against Denmark:

- It is an honor to play against Denmark, I hope the arena will be full. It will be an interesting match, Denmark started playing really well and they are the biggest surprise of this tournament since they did not play at this level of competition for the last three years. It will not be easy, so we have to give 100% of our abilities in that match. If we play the way we are able to play, they can not surprise us.

National team coach felt a great relief after the win over Finland.

- We felt pressure but we responded to it positively. I am glad that players who did not play much had a chance to prove we can count on them. In our first two matches we were under a lot of stress, now we have freed ourselves of it - said Kolakovic and commented on the match against Denmark.

- They are not at the European top, but we respect them and we will give our best to defeat them. I think my players know nobody on their team, but they won against Belarus and we have to respect that. They will play fanatically and they have nothing to lose. The arena will probably be full and such atmosphere always has an inspiring effect on the players.

After Atanasijevic carried the first two matches on his shoulders, in this match their first name was Kovacevic. He scored 16 points with remarkable 93% realization. Nobody else scored in double-digit points, but they all gave their contribution to this important win. Atanasijevic ended the match with only 8 points, but Serbia attacks were not focused on him like in previous matches. When he joins in with his 20 points, Serbia definitely has a chance to win a medal at this tournament.

- Our form is rising and I hope to see even better performance by us during this tournament. It was obvious we dominated and we did not allow them to dictate the tempo. I do not know Denmark team, they are a new volleyball nation, but we have to give our best - said Kovacevic and Podrascanin added:

- We play better in every match. On psychological level, the come back against Netherlands meant us a lot. It will not be an easy match, but if we repeat our performance against Finland, we should win.

Denmark achieved one of their greatest volleyball successes in front of 1 300 fans. Danish media describe their success as a fairytale, which speaks about the strength of that team.

After 130 minutes of equal play, the Danes managed to win and are now waiting for their match against Serbia in Aarhus.

For the better part of the first set they were 2 points behind, they managed to take the lead at the second technical time-out and they held their lead up to the end when they used their first set ball at 24-21 and won the first set.

The second set started with total domination by the Belarus and their 12-5 lead. National team coach Sturm tried to wake up his team with time-outs and substitutions, but they convincingly lost that set.

The third set started in the same rhythm and the Belarus had five points lead. At the second technical time-out they had 16-12 lead, but the Danes did not give up. They managed to came back at 19-19, but the Belarus took the lead again and after their third set ball they won the third set.

As if the loss of two sets wake them up, the Danes started playing better and they won in the fourth set and took the match into the final set.

They had a great opening and took the 7-4 lead. After the time-out by Belarus national team coach, Belarus came back and even the score at 7-7. The Danes played better at the end of the set and with 6-2 series they ensured their historical win.

- I am very happy, I can not put words to it. We played great, we all took a bit of responsibility and played to our maximum. Our dream came true - said Denmark captain Knudsen after the match.

Knudsen had 12 points, Jensen added 16 but the best scorer of the match was Ditlevsen with 20 points, but with only 30% realization. Huss added 12 from the bench.

The Danes managed to win regardless of their significant block deficit. Belarus won 17-8 in that department. They had no better success from the serve line, they had 18 mistakes while the Belarus had only 8. Their reception was also worse, but their offense gave them the win. They had 18 chances more and scored 16 points more. With that in mind, they will have a hard time against Serbia if they repeat such numbers since Serbia is a much better team than Belarus.

The Danes had a goal of playing well in front of their audience and the fact they managed to qualify for eight-finals is just an icing on the cake. The match against Belarus was physically and psychologically exhausting for them since they are not used to playing such matches. On the other side we have Serbia, a team that is getting into the rhythm and are slowly reminding everyone that they are the defending champions. Comeback against Netherlands gave them a big boost and they will be tough opponent to anyone. According to the statements by their players and coach, they respect Denmark which means they will play the match to their maximum from the start. In that case, Denmark has no chance.

Denmark surprised the world of volleyball by passing through the group stage. Although them and the Belarusians are the two weakest teams, their win and reaching the final 16 is still a wonder. I have already written many times that they don't have the width and depend on Ditlevsen and sometimes Knudsen and Jensen play their part. Their last match against Belarus physically exhausted them but what is more important they are completely mentally drained and it was obvious with all the players after the match. They fulfilled their objective and they are aware there is mission impossible ahead of them now. It wouldn't be the first time that the team who does a great achievement completely blunders in their next match. Serbia is definitely a team that no one wants to face, not in this moment. They started the tournament very poorly and it was obvious they play under pressure. They lost against Slovenia, were losing 2-0 against Netherlands and when they saw things are going downhill, they played fantastic three sets. It was obvious they were relieved and they showed that in a calm match against Finland in which they secured this duel. Their performance is definitely growing, their confidence after turning the tables against Netherlands huge and their opponent is ideal. What is most important is they are all calling to caution which means they will not underestimate the Danes. If they repeat their performance from the last five sets, Denmark will only get leftovers.