Today has begun the second round of the FIVB Women’s World Championship 2018. One of the opening matches has wowed the world of volleyball fans especially Russian ones -“where is Natalia Goncharova?” Who was not seen even at the side bench.
After overwhelming speculations of the reason why she was not playing in today’s match, head coach Pankov confirmed in the post-match press conference that she had taken a left shoulder injury during the last game against team USA. And he could not predict when she would be able to play at the moment.
Without the powerhouse Goncharova who is the top scorer with 119 points in the first round, Russia seems unaffected at least in today’s match with Turkey that they clinched the victory in straight sets 3-0 (25:15, 25:17, 25:16).
However tougher tests are coming on their way with the undefeated USA and Italy as well as Olympic champion China being in the same pool with them.
photo: Emiko Oosato for InstaVolley
