Caribbean team rallies past France in Pool D – 2011 FIVB World League
Caribbean Men’s National Volleyball Team of Cuba bagged sixth victory in the preliminary robin round of 2011 FIVB World League on Friday, June 24.
The city of Paris hosted the match, which saw record number of 6,600 spectators. France put up a great fight but lost to Cuba with a close margin of points 2-3 (25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 22-25, and 12-15). French team has only captured one victory in five weeks,
while Cuba is currently ranked 2nd in Pool D.
France started out really well in the match. The home boys seemed full of ambition to face off Cuban squad. Powerful serves and solid blocking enabled them to score consecutive points. Antonin Rouzier stood against the Caribbean ‘force’ and killed many of
their attack attempts.
Cuban team closely watched the movement of French side and tried to grasp the game plan. The pumped-up home squad played well and fast, in order to stay ahead of opponents. They added quick points and secured opening set of the match at 25-21.
Cubans hit back in the second set. They spotted gaps in French half and directed the ball in targeted areas. Cuban score rose up, while home team suffered the set-back. Nonetheless, France didn’t stop the effort. On the whole, both teams actively participated
in attack and defence. As a result, the score soared up with close difference of points. Cuban team put up a combined effort and claimed second set with 3-point lead.
France made too many mistakes in the opening phase of third set. On contrary, Cuba played sensibly and picked up a lead. Caribbean team led the score for some time and then France made return. They brought discipline in their game and controlled the reception
errors.
It helped French side to surpass Cuban opponents in the game. Better display of game allowed them to pull off success in third set.
The see-saw battle continued in fourth set as Cuba struggled and created the dead-lock of 2-2. Final set of the game was equal opportunity for both teams to make a difference. A close fight was staged in the fifth set. Finally Cuba sparked on the scene and
announced victory by capturing fifth set.
After dropping the first match, French mentor Philippe Blain is all set to do well in the next match on Sunday. He regretted the loss of first match as they were really close to a tie break in final set of the game. However, the next match will be the real
test of coach’s abilities.
The Captain of French Team Nicolas Marechal stated, “Even if players in this team of Cuba are missing, the others are very solid. We make a serious match but we miss some important balls. We are upset because we wanted to win for the 1st time in France this
year.”
Tags: