Aggressive Cubans fight back in third round of FIVB Championship
The Caribbean team from Cuba appeared as one of the stronger teams in FIVB Men’s World Championship 2010. The team entered the contest and blew everything in their way. They came across tough contenders but nothing could stop them from climbing up the stairs of fame.
Cuban team remained un-beaten in the first round and topped the squad with 6 points. In the next spell of tournament, they experienced a little dodge from Serbia. The Serbs beat Cuba in the second round opener. But thanks for Mexican, who enabled Cuba’s team to play in the third round. Cuba posted 3-0 victory over Mexico in second round.
Cuba was placed with Bulgaria and Spain in the third round of the championship. The Caribbean ‘force’ worked really hard and opened the third round with a victory over Spain. The hope of playing in the semi-final match was ever young in the hearts of Cuban players and hunger for better status put a new soul in their bodies. Bulgaria was the last hurdle in their way as Cuba was scheduled to meet Bulgaria in the last match of third round. The big day came and Cuban team exhibited incredible performance. They successfully clinched a berth in the semi-final after a bruising battle with Bulgaria.
Cuba vs. Bulgaria 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 26-28, 30-28, and 15-11)
The influential match was held on Wednesday, 6th October, 2010. The Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy recorded a great match between Cuba and Bulgaria. The sensational combat was staged in front of 4,200 spectators present in the hall. The volleyball fanatics screamed their lungs at every hit and added great flavours to the match.
First Set
The young Cuban players opened the first set with quick serves and powerful aces. The effort was worth admiring but Bulgaria returned the ball in their court with equal velocity. The lightening-quick attack of Bulgarian Vladimir Nikolov created much trouble for the Cuban-side. The European (Bulgaria) team led the first set with a score of 8-2 at the first technical timeout (TTO).
Cuba didn’t lose heart and continued their struggle to chase the score. They were able to narrow the gap of points but couldn’t catch up with Bulgaria’s speed. The noisy backing from crowd further pushed Bulgaria, and they cruised past the finish line. Bulgaria ended the first set at 25-22 and dragged Cuba under pressure.
Second Set
Cuban team stepped up in the second set and stood firm on their feet. Bulgaria continued with speedy spikes but Cuban Simon defended team’s position. Cuba followed a different approach and restricted Bulgaria to take lead in the set. It was hard to separate two sides and the score was tied at 8-8. After this point, Cuba never stopped and didn’t look back. They quickly stretched their score to achieve success by sending 25-23. They brought the game score to an even point.
Third Set
It was not the end but actual conflict started in third set. Both sides attacked each other with long rallies and score shifted with a close difference. Bulgaria created a lead of 8-5 with the help of Kaziyski. He delivered killing shots and extended the lead with 18-13. But Cuba fought a do-or-die battle. The outstanding pipe of Fernando Hernandez narrowed the gap at 22-20. Cuba scored three consecutive points but Bulgaria also started the heavy strike. Finally Bulgaria edged Cuba after a close fight of 28-26.
Fourth Set
The clouds of uncertainty and suspense were roaming around the place. After dropping the third set, Cuba re-bounded the ball in Cuban court angrily. Bulgaria tried to maintain their lead but Cuba sparked on the scene and won the fourth set. They polled 30-28 over Bulgaria.
Fifth Set
The 15-point golden set imitated the war-fare and crowd enjoyed the thrilling battle. The situation remained un-decided until the ending moments of set. Ultimately luck favoured Cuba and they secured final set of the game with 15-11. Cuba reserved a berth in the semi-final with Serbia.
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