The Australian men's volleyball team has survived some last-minute jitters to post a hard-fought five-set win over Portugal in their opening match of the FIVB World League in Slovakia.
The Volleyroos held three match points at 14-11 in the fifth set before losing the next four points to be staring down the barrel of a heart-breaking defeat.
But the team, led superbly by Australia's most capped international player Nathan Roberts and captain Paul Carroll, rallied to take the set 20-18 and the match, 3-2.
"I learned tonight we are capable of playing very well for long periods and we don't get discouraged too easily" said coach Mark Lebedew, who was in his first World League game in charge of Australia.
"After losing the first set, then fourth, then losing match balls we just kept plugging away and giving it our best shot.
"All wins add to the confidence of the team and to the group memory, for want of a better description. It is a good starting point. We are improving every day but we have a long way to go."
Roberts led the way for the Volleyroos with 29 points, while Carroll finished with 24 in a strong all-round performance.
"I am very proud that we mentally stuck in," Carroll said.
"It is very hard when you waste a lead like this, it was 14-11 for us. I am happy that we were able to win it finally and it is important for us because it was our first official match in this season."
Australia takes on home team Slovakia early Sunday morning, Australian time, in Poprad. Slovakia beat Japan 3-0 on Friday night.
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