Sanders sparks USA over Poland

LILLE, France, July 5, 2018 - Taylor Sander starred for the United States as they ended Poland's FIVB men's Nations League hopes with a commanding 3-0 victory (28-26, 25-17, 25-18) in Lille to book their place in the semi-finals. 

World champions Poland knew they had to win this Pool B clash - preferably with all 3 points - having lost 3-1 to Russia on Wednesday, but they were outclassed by an attacking American side who will take some beating on this form. John Speraw's men came into this one having lost to Russia and France in Week 5 of the preliminary round, but led by the dangerous Sander and the classy setter Micah Christenson who was the heartbeat of the team, they rediscovered their flamboyant style in a bad-tempered match to book their place in the semi-finals. 

Sander (14 points) was the attacking threat for the USA throughout with some potent serving and blistering spikes, but it was Christenson who was setting the tempo for a slick US team, providing the kind of service that the game's best sharp-shooters thrive on. Matthew Anderson was the game's top scorer with 15 points and David Smith - who made 2 blocks - both had strong games, while Benjamin Patch chipped in with 12.  

Poland, who had lost 5 of their previous 7 matches coming into this one, were excellent in the opening set, which they might've taken had some marginal calls not gone against them, but their heads dropped after that with only Damian Schulz (13 points) standing out from a side which looks low on confidence. Despite fewer errors- Poland made 19 in contrast to USA's 26 - they were simply overpowered as their Nations League hopes evaporated.