Germany find their way back to the Olympics

After 12 years of wait, the German men’s national team is going back to the Summer Olympic Games. The Europeans continued their incredible run at the Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday and, with their sixth victory in as many matches, have claimed one of the two Olympic spots in play in Pool A.

Next year, in Paris, the Germans will make just their fifth appearance on the sports’ biggest stage and their first since London 2012. The team has made it to the top ten in each of its first four appearances, having won silver at home in Munich, in 1972.

• Watch all matches of the Men's Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament on VBTV

After claiming wins over Iran, Cuba, Brazil, Italy and Czechia, Germany entered the court as favorites against Qatar on Saturday. Knowing that a victory would take them back to the Olympics, the Europeans kept their focus the entire time and achieved their goal with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-16) win.

"I'm overwhelmed," outside hitter Moritz Reicheirt commented. "I don't think we realize what we just did. The tournament went by in the blink of an eye and we played well and consistently in every match."

Two of the German pillars during the entire week in Rio, Anton Brehme and captain György Grozer came up big again for the Europeans. The middle blocker had a match-high 14 points, with 12 kills, one block and one ace, while the veteran opposite tallied 13 (ten kills, two blocks, one ace).

"This is crazy, it's such an incredible feeling, I can't even understand it," Grozer said. "That shows you should never stop believing in your dreams. That's what we did and we're going to Paris."

Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament - Match Schedule and Results

The second Olympic spot in play in Rio remains unclaimed and three national teams are still in contention – Brazil, Italy and Cuba.

The hosts, who on Saturday dominated Iran to a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-23) victory with 12 points from opposite Darlan Souza, are currently in second place with five wins (13 points) and need another victory against Italy, on Sunday, at 10:00 local time (17:00 UTC), to take the Olympic spot.

Despite a 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 27-25, 29-27) loss to Cuba on Saturday, Italy, who are third with four wins (12 points), also remain in contention and need a win against the hosts to keep their chances.

Cuba, who are fourth with four wins (12 points), improved their chances with their victory over Italy, but will only enter the court to face Iran at 13:30 local time (20:30 UTC) still alive if the Italians top Brazil. In that case, Cuba could qualify with a win over the Asians if they manage to overcome the Italians in the tie-breakers.

“The fans were on our side and we appreciate it,” outside hitter Miguel Angel Lopez, who topped all scorers with 23 points, said “We got an important win. A lot will have to happen for us to qualify, but we’re still alive and that’s what matters.”

In the other match of the day, involving two eliminated teams, Ukraine downed Czechia 3-1 (25-19, 25-15, 23-25, 25-20) to secure their third victory in the event.

Quick links:
FIVB Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifiers
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