Caribbean hotshots overcome arch-rival Russia in a FIVB World League match – Volleyball News
In front of 6,740 spectators at the Yantarny Hall in Kaliningrad, Russia on Sunday, the hosts received 1-3 (23-25, 22-25, 26-24, 20-25) defeat from Cuba.
The Caribbean team totally dominated the scene and edged out the pumped-up Russians. Cuba maintained a great run in the third leg of the 2012 FIVB World League and ended with perfect 3-0 record. Overall, Cuba stands with 8-1 record and holds the top slot in Pool A.
Four Cuban players contributed double-digit scores. Team captain Wilfredo Leon Venero topped all the scorers on his side with team-high 21 points.
However, the skipper of Russia team Maxim Mikhaylov settled for top-scorer’s position with his 22 points.
With stupendous support of rowdy local fans, Russia caught a good start in the match. The hosts hit exquisite shots and forced the visiting team to ask for a timeout in early few minutes. Cuba used the timeout and came up with better plan afterwards. They regrouped and struggled to overcome the hosts. It was not an easy task to dismantle the power of home team. However, Cuban managed to score some good points and eventually captured the spotlight by winning first frame of the match, 25-23.
The following set featured a balanced action from both sides as both teams tried to gain better status in the match. The scoreboard showed Cuba’s two-point lead at the FTT (8-6). Russians chased the score and created quite a few ties, but Cuba still remained ahead in the game. The guests extended their lead to 2-0 by sending 25-22 on board in second set.
In the third set, Russia threw everything in attack and struggled to cover the deficit. With strong offence and solid defence, Russians controlled the action on net and proved their endeavours. Cuba resisted in full force, but dropped the chance of finishing the match in straight sets. Russia claimed third set with 26-24 on board, while the game entered fourth set.
Cuba started out well in the fourth set. They picked up early lead and quickly stretched out the gap of points. The efforts of Russian team went futile as Cuba finished fourth set at 25-20 and announced match victory.
"The game of the team gives food for thought. Technical side concerns me. It would have been useful to play in the Finals in Bulgaria to get some play practice before the Olympiade,” said Russian head coach Vladimir Alekno after the match.
Team manager of Cuba was overjoyed with back-to-back victories of team. He said, “We are very happy to win three games in Kaliningrad and to overcome Russia. We were very good in attack and block today."
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