Failing performance of Spain in third round of FIVB Volleyball Championship
Spain is down with shaky performance in the third round of the FIVB Men’s World Championship. Spain was an active participant of the campaign. The team finished the first round with loss of two matches and attained 4 points, which enabled them to play in
the second round. The team saw a great improvement in second round and won all three matches. They proudly marched in the third round of the championship as top team of Pool I. Spaniards were joined by Cuban and Bulgarian teams in Pool Q of third round.
Somehow, the disaster started for the team as they lost first match in the hands of Bulgarian hotshots. Bulgaria claimed 3-1 victory over Spain and broke their rhythm in the game. The next match proved to be another eye-opener for Spanish team. They contested
their abilities with Caribbean team from Cuba and lost the match. Cuba posted 3-1 (25-22, 15-25, 25-22, and 25-22) victory and pushed Spain in the dark.
Spain vs. Cuba
The Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence hosted the amazing battle of Spain and Cuba on 5th October, 2010. The match was attended by 3’500 spectators. Al Naama Ibrahim from Qatar and Labasta Milan from Czech Republic performed their duties as the
match referees. Spain couldn’t recover from the shock of defeat in their last match against Bulgaria and failed to make good impression in match against Cuba.
First Set
It was the first match for Cuban team in third round and they played with good energy. Hierrezuelo Aguirre of Cuba produced powerful serves and picked an early lead over Spain. The Cuban captain Simon did justice to his role and set a new dimension for team.
He hit excellent under-hand shots to contribute in team’s score. Spain had frequent ball handling errors and suffered from lack of confidence. Perez Iban attempted many attacks but ultimately the ball returned in their court. The Cuban defence was strong and
stood firm in their boots. Cuba jumped to the set-point and promptly finished the first set with a perfect kill. They built a score of 25-22 and secured first set.
Second Set
The Spanish team learned enough from the first set game. They traded places and worked out a better plan for Cuba. Noda Sergio formed good timing with the setter and hit cool shots. The Spanish setter also helped the score by his tricky bump passes. Spanish
team’s head coach, Julio Velasco constantly backed up his team and urged them to stay put on the attack line. Cuba was uncomfortable with surprising comeback of Spanish team.
Leal and Leon of Cuban side produced speedy line-shots but failed to stop Spanish run. Spain spearheaded to the finish line and ended the second set with the help of 22-15.
Third Set
The game score was levelled at 1-1 at the end of second set and it put a new thrill in the game. Both teams had formulized plans for the third round. The game started with a fast pace in third set. Spain served nice floaters and earned crucial points. On
the other side of the net, Cuba started the heavy strike. The Cuban players jumped on every ball and saved many points. The score slightly soared up and game picked up more pace.
The suspense and uncertainty prevailed on the whole scene as match result was un-decided. Finally, Cuban team made a difference and managed to push Spain behind. Cuba scored consecutive points and declared set victory at 25-22.
Fourth Set
By winning the third set, Cuba successfully drafted Spain under pressure. They hit convincing shots in fourth set and kicked out Spain with 25-22 win. Cuba won the third round opener and enjoyed victory against Spain.
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