Spain coach tips Britain to star at London 2012

SPAIN head coach Julio Velasco has tipped Great Britain to star at London 2012 after watching his European champions pushed all the way by Team GB.

In their opening match of the 2009 European League Harry Brokking's men were eventually overpowered by Spain 25-23, 25-23, 25-16.

Great Britain were not without their chances though and courtesy of some excellent finishing from new recruit James Haldane and solid defence from captain Ben Pipes, were just 22-21 down in the first set and found themselves 21-19 to the good in the second set.

Despite the presence of 37-year-old Canada-born Haldane, Brokking's side was a relatively inexperienced one, and that ultimately told in the later stages of the match.

But Argentine Velasco is convinced it will not be long before Great Britain are a force to be reckoned with.  

"I was very impressed with the way the GB team went about their game plan, executing intelligent hitting which challenged his team throughout the match," he said.

"If GB continue progressing at this rate they should be able to challenge at the top level come 2012.

"Great Britain is a great sporting nation in a range of sports, they must now continue to fund Volleyball to a level which will allow the progress of the team to continue.

"It is not simply about winning medals it is about positioning your teams at the very top level and showing that volleyball is the best team game in the world."