08-APRIL-2014
PORTUGAL WITH REINFORCED
AMBITIONS PORTUGUESES
 

Junior Men National Team is to play 2014 CEV U20 Men European Championship – 2nd Qualification Round at the European City of Sports, Maia, from April 25-27.

The Portuguese National Team Coach, António Guerra, believes that if his team plays on its limit, the Portuguese fans may have a reason to celebrate.
“Our pool is strong, but in Europe is difficult to be in an easy pool, because countries in our continent are investing more and more in the quality of their work. We also have a well balanced team that starts showing some competitiveness. We have the ambition to qualify but such is only going to happen if we maintain a balanced game while taking risks. I think this is a legit ambition, especially after being at Guadalajara tournament were we played eye-to-eye with Poland, European vice-champion and The Netherlands. If we’ll be able to play at the maximum of our capabilities, I think that it’s legit to aim for the top spot. Playing at Maia is excellent because as being a European City of Sports, it will enhance the event and the public will attend to it”, he stated.

National Team Captain plays for the city’s well known club Castêlo da Maia GC.
“I consider to be very important to play here at Maia because many National Team athletes are from here, and I believe that it will attract many fans to our matches. Besides, it will empower us to give everything we have to win. Personally, I’m proud to be representing the National Team here at Maia, even more in the same hall where I’ve being playing for the last 15 years”, said Martins.

The competition will be organised by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation, Castêlo da Maia Ginásio Clube and Maia City Hall, represented at the press conference by its President, António Bragança Fernandes who said:
“As European City of Sports, Maia will host more than 500 events inviting to our city more than 200.000 people. Volleyball will also play its role on attracting that people and encourage them to practice sports”.

FPV President, Vicente Araújo highlighted the importance of the competition:
“This qualifying round will be a good moment for volleyball’s grow in the region. There will be 6 high level matches played here in 3 days, where some of the world’s top prospects will perform for and audience that loves and knows well the sport”.

PLAYERS

More info: www.cev.lu