View Full Version : ATP CUP 2019, 3-12 January Australia. Main thread
The ATP announce details of their new team tournament.
https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/atp-unveils-atp-cup-team-event-for-2020-season
Sorry, I think I put in too many noughts. It's about the new ATP Cup tournament in Australia. Try this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/46780040
exislander
16-09-2019, 09:39
ATP Cup Group C in Sydney - Switzerland, Belgium, GB and TBD. It starts 3rd January, tickets go on sale Wednesday 18th September.
Sallydaisy
16-09-2019, 10:00
ATP CUP 2019 discussions to continue in here please, Davis/Pique Cup has a separate thread now for discussions etc.
:thumbup:
ATP CUP WEBPAGE: https://www.atpcup.com/
DATES: Friday 3rd - Sunday 12th January 2019
Round Robin stages (6 groups of 4) played 3rd - 8th January
Quarter Finals (in Sydney) on 9th/10th January
Semi-Finals on Saturday 11th January
Final to be played on Sunday 12th January
GROUP DRAW played at 3 VENUES IN AUSTRALIA
Winners & 2 best RU go to KO stage in Sydney.
A (Brisbane) SRB FRA RSA TBC
B (Perth) ESP JPN GEO TBC
C (Sydney) SUI BEL GBR TBC
D (Perth) RUS ITA USA TBC
E (Sydney) AUT CRO ARG TBC
F (Brisbane) GER GRE CAN AUS
We will be in Sydney on January 10th but don’t hold a lot of hope for GB to be in the quarter finals! -sadly. :sad:
Daly Schedules are up on the ATP website - https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/atp-cup/8888/daily-schedule
GB play on day 1, 3rd Jan, - 5.30 pm local time - 4.30 am UK time.
There's a bracket on the ATP website.
https://www.atptour.com/en/atp-cup-bracket-challenge#/bracket
Sallydaisy
28-12-2019, 14:37
Andy won't be playing ... per Kevin Mitchell on Twitter.
BREAKING: Andy Murray out of ATP Cup. Not ready to resume after injury setback. GB participation in new competition uncertain. More to follow...
Sallydaisy
28-12-2019, 14:50
:hmm:
That tweet has now been deleted ...
themass15
28-12-2019, 14:56
I just saw on Facebook Andy isn't playing
HoopGirl
28-12-2019, 16:41
https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Andy_Murray/82097/andy-murray-withdraws-from-the-atp-cup/
Andy withdraws from ATP cup
exislander
28-12-2019, 16:53
Sad but not entirely unexpected. However, does this mean he is doubtful for the Australian Open? Surely he can't start with five set matches without some preparation.
HoopGirl
28-12-2019, 16:54
Worrying that it’s taking so long to recover!
Guerkins2
28-12-2019, 21:47
Sad but not entirely unexpected. However, does this mean he is doubtful for the Australian Open? Surely he can't start with five set matches without some preparation.
I wonder whether he could get a wildcard for another tournament
Sad but not entirely unexpected. However, does this mean he is doubtful for the Australian Open? Surely he can't start with five set matches without some preparation.
More than doubtful, it has been confirmed that he is out of the AO.
Guerkins2
28-12-2019, 22:40
Sad but not entirely unexpected. However, does this mean he is doubtful for the Australian Open? Surely he can't start with five set matches without some preparation.
I wonder whether he could get a wildcard for another tournament
I see on the ATP site that James Ward is to replace Andy in Sydney.
Daily schedule on ATP cup site - https://www.atpcup.com/schedule
Team GB's first tie is underway, and Cameron Norrie is an early break up against Bulgaria's Dimitar Kuzmanov.
A bit of an early shock sees Norway beat the USA.
Cameron now up a double break! *4-1.
1 set all and on serve in the decider.
Cameron now a break up and Kuzmanov has had a medical time out.
Play has now been suspended.
No it hasn't... Cameron broke again to serve for the match, but was broken to love...
6-2 3-6 5-2*.
2 match points for Norrie...
Cameron wins!
Evo up next against Grigor Dimitrov.
I was watching the live scores on the BBC website and that is what it suddenly came up with. Cameron wins 6 - 2, 3 - 6, 6 - 3.
My sister, brother-in-law and niece are going away for the weekend and I'll be looking after their house. So, I'll be able to watch our tie against Belgium on their TV.
Dan 4-1 up and serving in the first set...
Dan to serve for the first set at *5-2.
Dan serves it out to love!
Dimitrov breaks in set two, *4-2.
Dimitrov serves for the set at *5-3, but Dan breaks!
Boooooooooo! Dimitrov breaks to take the second set.
Currently 11.30pm in Sydney, looks like this tournament will have the same problem as the DC.
Dimitrov with the early break in the decider.
Running away fast in the decider, a shame as Dan had a couple of points for 5-5 in set 2.
And that's it, 6-1.
The doubles will decide it, now after midnight in Sydney, but we should really be winning the doubles!
Perhaps not unsurprisingly, the Bulgars have switched things around, Dimitrov is going to play doubles too, with Alexandar Lazarov.
Jamie and Joe should still be taking this though!
Nothing in it so far, first set TB underway.
5-5, the Js were a mini-break down...
*5-6, set point to the Bulgars.
7-5... Lose this next set and we'll have to beat the Belgians.
Jamie and Joe up an early break in set 2.
Jamie serving for the set, 30-30.
Joe now serving to stay in the match.
And almost inevitably, another TB.
And the Js take it 7-2, straight into a MTB.
A mini-break down, to a mini-break up, to back on serve...
2 mini-breaks up, now back to one...
*9-7, 2 match points for Team GB!
*9-10, and match point for the Bulgars.
:crying:
Bulgaria win 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 11-9 at 2.50am...
Going to be really difficult to qualify now.
JAMES4578
03-01-2020, 16:59
Certainly disappointing, did not go to plan.
lovetennis
03-01-2020, 19:07
Missed the whole blooming lot due to being back at work, but sounds heartbreaking to come so close to the win :crying:
Sorry .... late to the party .... can someone please tell me where I can watch this?
Sorry .... late to the party .... can someone please tell me where I can watch this?
Amazon Prime
banskogirl
04-01-2020, 21:55
Thought we had this in the bag! Perhaps tomorrow...........
exislander
04-01-2020, 22:32
Sorry .... late to the party .... can someone please tell me where I can watch this?
Amazon and/or tennis tv.
exislander
04-01-2020, 22:34
Thought we had this in the bag! Perhaps tomorrow...........
Looking at results in the other groups it now seems unlikely that GB will progress.
Sallydaisy
05-01-2020, 07:23
Darcie takes the first set 6-2 against Cam Norrie.
Getting very depressed :sad:
exislander
05-01-2020, 09:16
Dan takes first set against David 6-4.
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 09:25
C'mon Dan chance for a double break in set 2
Dan on fire - leads 3-0 in second set and is about to serve
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 09:32
Goffin having a bit of a nightmare but well done Dan for keeping him under pressure. Dan leads 4-1
Well done Dan - excellent win :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo: :yahoo:
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 10:08
:GBflag::GBflag::GBflag::GBflag::GBflag::GBflag: Well played Dan - keeps GB hopes alive
Sallydaisy
05-01-2020, 10:08
6'4, 6'4 for Dan. Over to the Doubles Dudes to keep us in with a chance.
Well done Dan. An impressive win.
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 10:23
I'm liking the Team Zones in this format :thumbup:
exislander
05-01-2020, 11:22
Dan is now at career high 38 in live ranking!
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 11:35
C'mon SALMUR 3-3 in the 2nd set. Looking for to a break in this 2nd set
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 11:56
:sofa:
Phew - well done Jamie and Joe :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 12:07
:shelebrate::shelebrate::GBflag::GBflag: Well done SALMUR. GB still alive
Excellent win.
What happens now?
Fabulous win for Evo!!
And the doubles too!!
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 14:13
Excellent win.
What happens now?
Another round robin tie against Moldova on Tues. Not sure of the maths but we will need to win to have a chance of progression to QF
From the link below, our only chance to win the group is if Belgium beat Bulgaria 2-1 and if we beat Moldova 3-0, which is not too unlikely a scenario.
https://www.atpcup.com/articles/event-news/final-eight-qualification-scenarios
We are currently one of the two best second placed teams, so a resounding 3-0 win over Moldova will likely see us qualify anyway. 2-1 will probably not be enough.
Info on this link.
https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/atp-cup/8888/group-standings?groupType=final8
RosieBear
05-01-2020, 16:11
I've been enjoying this event. Dan's having a stupendous tournament - so great to watch when he's on his game. I'll never make my peace with the Davis Cup, so this is the team event for me. Fun so far - just hope we can see off Moldova 3-0 and the Belgians can beat Bulgaria by a sufficient margin. Come on GB!
Rosalind
05-01-2020, 16:19
Nice! I've just caught up. I agree with Rosiebear re Davis Cup. Happy to watch this one though. I like the way the players sit with their team at change-over and you can hear the advice. Good to see Tim involved.
Our team were far better at cheering the players on. Belgians very quiet. Good for us!
lovetennis
05-01-2020, 17:19
Nice! I've just caught up. I agree with Rosiebear re Davis Cup. Happy to watch this one though. I like the way the players sit with their team at change-over and you can hear the advice. Good to see Tim involved.
Our team were far better at cheering the players on. Belgians very quiet. Good for us!
I really liked the Team Zone thing too. Also it made sense to me that coaching is allowed during play, whereas at DC coaching is only allowed at change of ends. While I abhor on court coaching in individual events (individual sport and all that), when it's a team event it makes sense to allow coaching, so why not go the whole hog and allow it during play?
Rosalind
06-01-2020, 08:24
Exactly- the input from the other players so that you see their characters and rapport with each other is fun.
11pm for our final round robin tie tonight/tomorrow!
Hope I can stay awake!! Best of luck to all the team! !:thumbup: :thumbup: :GBflag: :GBflag:
banskogirl
06-01-2020, 22:01
Really enjoying this :) why could this not have done as the 'new format' and they could've left DC alone?!
Anyway what a win for Dan! Nothing better when he's on fire!
Come on GB!
First set to Cam...….6 - 2:cheer::cheer::GBflag:
First matches I've been able to watch live. The others have been in the middle of the night over here in USA. Have watched replays though.
I'm enjoying this.
Lets Go GB, Lets go. :cheer::cheer:
Cam gets the win 6-2, 6-2.....well done:GBflag::GBflag::GBflag::cheer::cheer::cheer:
First set to Dan....6 - 2 :GBflag: :cheer:
Dan wins the match 6 - 2, 6 - 2...great stuff....well done :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :GBflag: :GBflag: :GBflag:
exislander
07-01-2020, 05:02
GB won doubles 6-2 6-3 so still in with a chance of progressing.
Bulgaria won the first rubber against Belgium, and will top the group if they win the tie.
However, all 3 Team GB victories were so comprehensive that I'd be astonished if we didn't qualify as one of the best placed runners up at worst, although with the last group games not being until tomorrow, I hope there are no shenanigans...
JAMES4578
07-01-2020, 09:25
Emphatic wins all round, GB putting themselves in the frame!
Dimitrov takes the first set against Goffin.
Goffin fighting back, leading 3 - 0 in the second set.
Goffin takes the second set 6 - 2.:cheer:
Goffin a break up in the decider.
Goffin wins - well done :cheer: :cheer:
Doubles pairs are Gille and Vliegen for Belgium and Dimitrov and Lazarov for Bulgaria.
And Bulgaria are now a break up in the second set.
1 set all! A MTB to decide it...
8-5* to the Belgians...
8-6*...
*9-6! 3 match points for a Belgium win and for GB to top the group...
*9-7...
10-7!
:yahoo:
Belgium win!!:yahoo::yahoo:
Oh great, we play Australia in the quarters...
Although, if we had qualified as a best runner-up, we would have played Spain or Serbia...
lovetennis
07-01-2020, 13:21
Thanks to our Belgian pals. Woohoo well done to our guys too obviously. Only saw Cam's match before I had to go to bed but will watch the replays tonight.
RosieBear
07-01-2020, 14:12
Yippee - everything worked out just as we wanted! On we go! Come on GB! :cheer:
The schedule for Thursday - https://www.atpcup.com/schedule
GB vs Australia first on at 11.00 pm UK time Wednesday (10.00 am local time Thursday)
I'd have thought they would have put the Australian on as night match, or maybe there was no choice.
exislander
07-01-2020, 17:27
The schedule for Thursday - https://www.atpcup.com/schedule
GB vs Australia first on at 11.00 pm UK time Wednesday (10.00 am local time Thursday)
I'd have thought they would have put the Australian on as night match, or maybe there was no choice.
Is it because that is the only one where both teams are known before tomorrow's matches are played?
Is it because that is the only one where both teams are known before tomorrow's matches are played?
Dunno but it could be. They theoretically won't know who the 2 teams second in their groups are until the last of the groups have played Wednesday night. It would not be fair to put a team playing on Wednesday night on on Thursday morning.
The six group winners are Australia, Great Britain, Russia, Serbia, Spain and Argentina.
Belgium have qualified as one of the two best runners-up.
The last spot comes down to the doubles match currently on court between Argentina and Croatia. Croatia are a set up, and if they win, they advance. If Argentina mount a comeback and win, then Canada advance.
If Croatia advance, they will be the top second place team and will face Spain, with Belgium facing Serbia.
If Canada advance, then Belgium will face Spain and Canada will face Serbia.
Tsitsipas gets told offby his mum by accidentally hitting his dad with a racquet. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/tennis/51034431
I saw that on the BBC website. It must have been embarrassing for him.
Norrie plays Kyrgios on the Ken Rosewall Arena.
Argentina win, so Canada advances!
The quarter finals are set!
Hosts Australia play Team GB tonight at 11pm, followed by Argentina against Russia at 6.30 am tomorrow.
Tomorrow night at 11pm Serbia face Canada, followed by Spain against Belgium at 6.30 am on Friday.
Norrie plays Kyrgios on the Ken Rosewall Arena.And that will be followed by de Minaur against Dan Evans.
RoastLamb
08-01-2020, 14:42
Yay for Canada! Altho' they won't get past Serbia but still happy they got as far as they did! Good luck Team GB vs Australia who have not lost a match as yet.
exislander
09-01-2020, 00:13
Cam struggling somewhat against Nick.
exislander
09-01-2020, 00:29
He got one break back, lost it again so Nick served it out, 6-2 6-2.
Come on Dan!
First set to Dan in a tb :cheer::cheer:
exislander
09-01-2020, 01:58
Dan takes a long first set in tiebreak!
exislander
09-01-2020, 02:48
I should be sleeping but can’t stop watching this!
exislander
09-01-2020, 04:08
They both deserve to win!
:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: Well done Dan :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
exislander
09-01-2020, 04:17
Yesssss! Tiebreak in set 3. All up to the dubs now.
Joe and Jamie take the first set!
Aussies a break up in the second set. It's been the sort of tie that looks like it'd be settled on an MTB...
Back on serve, and a code violation for the Aussies...
Aussies break again, Joe Salisbury struggling on serve.
Team GB to serve first, Joe serving first.
1-0*
1-1*
*1-2, Kyrgios with an ace.
*2-2
2-3*...
2-4*
*2-5. Need Joe to hold his 2 serves here...
*3-5
4-5* Let's get this mini break back!
4-6*
*4-7 Nick untouchable on serve.
*5-7
6-7* This time! Come on!
6-8*
*7-8! Back on serve!
*8-8 Hold here please...
9-8* Joe gets us a match and tie point! Nick to serve though.
9-9*
*9-10 and a match and tie point for the Aussies.
*10-10
11-10* second match point, this time on de Minaur's serve...
11-11*
*11-12... Come on, I need to leave for work...
*12-12
12-13* Kyrgios with the match on his racket...
13-13* Saved!
*13-14
*14-14
15-14* Is this ever going to end?
15-15*
*16-15 Match point on Joe's serve! Come on!
*16-16...
16-17*... Joe loses both points on serve... Nick to serve it out, first serve fault...
16-18 :crying:
A great tournament for GB nevertheless.
lovetennis
09-01-2020, 07:01
Got up in time to see the MTB. Gutted:crying::crying::crying::crying:
exislander
09-01-2020, 07:03
Glad I woke in time to see most of that 30 minute mtb. Stats show same points each.
What a tie!
Such a shame but a great match!
Oh so close.
Great win for Evo though! :superman:
Makes you wonder how good the air is in the court.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2020/01/08/tim-henman-admits-did-not-expect-andy-murray-feature-atp-cup/
In Sydney on Wednesday, the show continued despite the worst pollution that has yet afflicted any of Australia’s tour-level events. The Air Quality Index at around 9am was an alarming 454, which is classified by monitoring agencies as “hazardous”, with the added verdict that “everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion”.
Things did improve from there, and the day’s first winner – the inexperienced Polish player Kacper Zuk – insisted that he had not noticed any difference to previous days. But for the first hour or so you could see smoke hanging inside the canopy roof on Ken Rosewall Arena, which is open to the elements at the sides.
It is telling that the Sydney City Council opted to close all its outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools at 10am, citing poor air quality. Yet the announcement from an ATP spokesman at exactly the same time was: “We are monitoring the situation and it is safe to start at 10 for players, fans and staff.” In other words, it was OK for professionals to play, but not amateurs.
good account of the tie, from the beeb - (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51044806)
sorry, i have not been paying attention, will someone explain to this dunce the choice of Joe to partner Jamie?
exislander
09-01-2020, 11:16
good account of the tie, from the beeb - (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51044806)
sorry, i have not been paying attention, will someone explain to this dunce the choice of Joe to partner Jamie?
Joe is ranked higher than Neal and for this team event entry was by ranking.
Joe is ranked higher than Jamie currently too!
Some great tennis, especially from Evo. I've always loved watching him. But :crying:
exislander
09-01-2020, 16:01
Dan now at 31 in live rankings.
RoastLamb
09-01-2020, 16:52
Ugh so disappointed for Team GB. I thought they were the better dubs team and Jamie was sooooo close to winning it outright. So painful. But Dan was a star - that was a really great match. Thrilling!!! Well done Team GB.
RosieBear
09-01-2020, 19:17
Well, that was just a heartbreaker. But colossally proud of our guys. In all honesty, I didn't think we had much of hope since Aussies have been destroying their oppo 3-0 in every round so far, but Dan was out of this world. And Jamie and Joe so close, Jamie would have made that volley in his sleep 9/10 but it really was a cauldron. Same problem as new "Davis Cup" - one team has home advantage in every single match, and it can make all the difference. On the bright side, it's so good to feel these kinds of emotions again for team tennis now that true Davis Cup is gone forever and I'll never support its tawdry replacement.
david1610
09-01-2020, 19:53
I had to stay up and work during the night so watched the tennis and saw 1, Evo's amazing victory (I saw him play a great match in Madrid but this was even better). 2. The doubles drama 3. How exciting the atmosphere was thanks to the idea of having player "boxes" at the ends of the court where the team players and coaches were going crazy. Thought of cricket as Lleyton Hewitt was sledging away at Evo such that Tim Henman was telling Evo to not look at him - in fact, he and the rest of the team were coming on incredibly strongly to him in terms of taking his self-doubts away. Being up close to the comments during the turn rounds (or ends of games as well) was like being in the corners between rounds watching boxing. Oh and if you need to be persuaded about Mr Kyrgios, what a team player. Put him in a team atmosphere and it brings out, cough, cough, responsibility!
I also think Andy would have loved this atmosphere.
banskogirl
09-01-2020, 20:26
I know it was like a 'home tie' for Australia but I loved it! I think it felt more like DC than DC last month!
How close were GB? :bravo: well done guys, I know they didn't get the win but it was a great day (I watced it today) of tennis :clap:
roytennisfan
09-01-2020, 22:00
Dan now at 31 in live rankings.
Another terrific win for Dan today, his 3rd win in 4 and he has added a massive 215 ranking points this week taking him from 42 to currently 31as quoted, whilst it could still drop a little, it's currently 10 places higher than his previous career high. Let's hope he can carry on with this terrific form and get into the top30
I also thoroughly enjoyed this tournament.
Sad for GB but at least we got to quarter finals. Dan was amazing, lets hope he keeps it up. He has really worked hard and I think I heard them say that was his girlfriend in the stands. :)
Doubles was exciting as well and I really thought we would win but I think Jamies shoulder didn't help, but what a match.
Rosalind
10-01-2020, 08:13
Yes gf was there and she regularly is. She seems good for him. Dan is truly an exciting player to watch and good to have on the team. Although I don't warm to him in other ways.
The other QFs have all been one-sided affairs, Serbia & Russia both won 3-0. Spain currently 1 up on Belgium so looks like another one.
Goffin just taken the first set off Rafa 6-4.
The other QFs have all been one-sided affairs, Serbia & Russia both won 3-0. Spain currently 1 up on Belgium so looks like another one.
Jinxed it. Goffin has just beaten Rafa in 2 sets.
I thought jinxing was RosieBear's speciality. It must be catching.
Rafa looking to redeem himself by playing in the doubles with PCB against the standard Belgian pairing.
Commies are saying it is extremely humid. I wonder if the humidity will improve as the Ozzy evening gets later.
Belgium won the first set on a TB, and Spain are about to serve for the second set.
Spain win the MTB to advance to a semi-final against Australia, which will be the evening session, whilst Serbia will face Russia in the morning session.
themass15
10-01-2020, 18:42
Spain were jolly lucky to win today, will be at a disadvantage tomorrow with the very late finish
Full oop for Saturday. https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/atp-cup/8888/daily-schedule?day=9
Matches start an hour later than the earlier rounds at midnight UK time - so coud be a very late finish.
Serbia beat Russia 3-0.
In the first match of the second tie, RBA is a set and a break up on Nick Kyrgios.
1-0 Spain. Rafa off to a slow start in tie 2.
JAMES4578
11-01-2020, 11:55
De Minaur took the first 6-4 and stayed close in the 2nd but Nadal broke at end to take it 7-5 and the Australian's errors began to mount in the 3rd with Rafa strong, one break back but Spain up 4-1.
So, a Serbia v. Spain final, tomorrow at 7.30am.
oop - https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/atp-cup/8888/daily-schedule?day=10
As perhaps to be expected, RBA beats Dusan Lajovic in straight sets, so now it's Nole v. Rafa with Nole having to win. Rafa broken early as his run of slow starts continues.
JAMES4578
12-01-2020, 11:10
Djokovic took full advantage and dominant in the 1st taking it 6-2, Nadal had break points in 2nd at 3-2 but unable to convert.Pretty tight in 2nd but Djokovic has the upper hand taking it 6-2,7-6 (7-4) for Serbia, so all down to the Doubles! The line up is F Lopez/Carreno Busta v Djokovic/Troicki.
JAMES4578
12-01-2020, 14:15
Spain got the better start but 7 consecutive games from 1-3 for the Serbs proved crucual, the Spaniards got back into it but could not break through in the closing stages. Djokovic and Troicki became dominant as Serbia won 6-3,6-4- taking the tie 2-1 to win the first ATP Cup.
exislander
12-01-2020, 15:52
Although this event did not escape some issues regarding scheduling -as any event of unknown match length is prone to especially in its first year - I think the ATP Cup served its purpose in generating a lot of interest and some excellent matches for players and for spectators at the start of the new season. I enjoyed watching the competition.
Guerkins2
12-01-2020, 18:02
I hadn’t realised until today that Ross Hutchins was the MD of the event
lovetennis
12-01-2020, 19:55
Enjoyed it more than Pique Cup. It had some nice touches like the Team Zone. My one big issue is that it will always be in Australia which limits access for fans. Saw some praise for it over Pique Cup for bringing together the world 1 and 2 in the final but actually some of the earlier ties were far more exciting and entertaining than the final.
exislander
12-01-2020, 20:24
Enjoyed it more than Pique Cup. It had some nice touches like the Team Zone. My one big issue is that it will always be in Australia which limits access for fans. Saw some praise for it over Pique Cup for bringing together the world 1 and 2 in the final but actually some of the earlier ties were far more exciting and entertaining than the final.
I guess Russia were at fault for beating Serbia in Madrid preventing them from reaching the semi final there and preventing a final against Spain where world 1 and 2 could have met.
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