WARSAW, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Poland beat the hosts Netherlands 3-1 on Thursday in Apeldoorn to secure their spot in the semifinals of women's Toyo 2020 Volleyball Qualification.
The first set was tight but in the crucial moment, the team coached by Jacek Nawrocki turned the pace to win 25-20 after an effective attack by Natalia Medrzyk. In the second part, Poland continued the momentum. Malwina Smarzek-Godek was the best scorer for her team with 21 points, while Magdalena Stysiak added 21. Joanna Wolosz, who became MVP of the match, also made an outstanding display.
The Netherlands won the third set to make it 2-1 but they weren't able to turn the game into their favor. In the deciding set, Smarzek-Godek was on fire again and she led the Polish team to the massive triumph.
Poland continues the perfect start of the qualification as they beat Bulgaria in their first match. Thanks to the victory over Netherlands Nawrocki's players secured their spot in the semifinal.
"It was a good game. The home crowd reacted very well, it's good to play in that atmosphere. The victory is the most important for us. I have problems and I made some mistakes, but the team helped me. We did a good job in the crucial moments of the match by keeping pressure on our rivals," said the attacker Smarzek-Godek in the interview for the Polish TV.
For the teams who compete in Apeldoorn, the tournament is the last chance to secure their ticket for Tokyo 2020. In the first round, eight teams play in two pools. Four teams advance into the semifinals, with only the winner of the tournament qualifying for the Olympic Games.
