The first day of the the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Hamburg 2019 presented by comdirect and ALDI Nord is in the books, but there’s still a lot more action to happen at the Rothenbaum Stadium over the next nine days.
Several of the top teams in the world are yet to debut in the tournament and that’s supposed to happen on Saturday, the second day of the event in the German coastal city. Among that and teams heading into their second pool play games, here are our five matches to watch!
Who? Sponcil/Claes v Birlova/Ukolova
Where? Sidecourt 2
When? 10am CET
Why? This will be the typical battle between youth and experience as Claes is making just her second World Championship appearance, Sponcil is debuting while Birlova and Ukolova have been partners in three editions before besides of two Olympics. The Americans are an up-and-coming team in the international scene and are certainly targeting a deep run in Hamburg, the Russians are in position to make some damage and make their routes a little more complicated if they have the opportunity.
Who? Thole/Wickler v Kavalo/Ntagengwa
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 1pm CET
Why? The match that will open the Red Bull Beach Arena for the second day of competition will feature the new German darlings Thole and Wickler. The Germans won the home fans’ hearts last year when they reached the semi-final of the World Tour Finals in Hamburg and are looking forward to having the same sort of support in the biggest tournament of their young careers. It will also be interesting to see Kavalo and Ntagengwa’s reaction to the largest arena and probably the loudest fans they have ever seen.
Who? Evandro/Bruno v Durant/Schumann
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 2pm CET
Why? Reigning champion Evandro will make his debut in the tournament alongside new partner and fellow world champion Bruno against one of the trickiest teams in the event in Durant and Schumann. The Aussies like to play with a fast-paced offense and when their games click they can create trouble even for top teams in the world. Evandro’s serve will be a big component of this game and judging by what he’s done recently from the service line, the Brazilians seem to be in good position, but cannot let their guards down.
Who? Andre/George v Seidl/Waller
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 7.15pm CET
Why? Andre will debut in the World Championships just a few hours after Evandro, with whom he topped the podium of the tournament’s last edition. Unlike two years ago, though, he’s now the most experience player of this team and will need to lead the way to help George on his debut at the sport’s biggest stage. Their debut should be a good test as it will take place at the Red Bull Beach Arena and against the steady and dangerous tandem of Seidl and Waller.
Who? Borger/Sude v Wang/Xue
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 8.30pm CET
Why? Borger and Sude will be the last home team to debut in the tournament and they should expect massive support from the home crowd in the closing game of the second day of the event in Hamburg. The Germans are still trying to find their best game after recently reuniting and they will have a tough debut against the Chinese, especially because of the massive experience of Xue, a bronze medalist of the Beijing 2008 Olympian and a 2013 world champion. The team that wins this match should be in position to challenge Americans Alix Klineman and April Ross for the top spot of the pool.
