Lausanne, Switzerland, July 8, 2017 - Germany and Kazakhstan come head-to-head for the fifth time in FIVB World Grand Prix history Saturday in Ruse, with the European side undefeated in all four previous encounters. However, to extend that record Germany will need to bring an end to a 10-match losing streak, including this year's opener against Korea.
Head-to-Head• Germany are unbeaten in their previous four World Grand Prix meetings with Kazakhstan.
• Germany won both of their matches against these opponents (in 2008) in straight sets and both of their matches in 2013 by a 3-1 scoreline.
• Germany also beat Kazakhstan in the first round of the 2010 World Championship (3-0).
Germany• Germany started off their 2017 World Grand Prix season with a 3-1 defeat against Korea on Friday.
• Combined with last season, in which Germany were relegated from Group 1, Germany have now lost 10 successive matches in the World Grand Prix.
• This is their longest losing streak in the competition since 11 in a row in 2001-2002.
Kazakhstan• Kazakhstan slumped to a straight sets defeat against Bulgaria in their 2017 World Grand Prix opener on Friday.
• Kazakhstan have now lost three of their last four World Grand Prix matches.
• Last season in the World Grand Prix, Kazakhstan started with a defeat before responding with a straight sets victory in their second match.