Overview of Mexico’s breakthrough in FIVB Volleyball Championship 2010
Out of 24 teams battling in the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2010, Mexico joined the winners’ squad after proving their endeavour in the first round. The team has been in the volleyball business since many decades but unfortunately, they always finished with low rankings on account of their bad performance.
In the past, Mexico participated in three editions of the FIVB Men’s World Championship in 1974, 1978 and 1982. They exhibited an average play and hardly enjoyed the news flash as big achievers. However, their luck stood by them in year 1974 and they advanced to the next phase. But they couldn’t make any further progress and finished the campaign with 10th position. Quite similarly, they moved along with the same pace and settled for 12th spot in 1978. Their game saw no improvement in the following years but they remained consistent in their approach and didn’t lose hope.
Lo and behold!
They achieved a big breakthrough in the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2010, which is underway in Italy. Mexico was placed in Pool D along with United States, Argentina and Venezuela and played first round matches played in Palacalfiore di Reggio Calabria, Italy from 25-27 September, 2010. The team made its mark by an outstanding performance against Venezuela and qualified for the second round. It is the second time since 1974 that they have reached this stage of FIVB Championship.
USA vs. Mexico
Mexico opened the campaign by competing against USA on 25th September, 2010. The Mexicans were quick to snatch the first two-sets from USA. They kept a good eye on ball movement and helped their score with nice floaters. The U.S. team was believed to be a better team in the tournament but, they lost the first two sets to Mexico after receiving 25-22 and 25-19.
Anyhow, the real disaster started for Mexico in the following sets. USA picked up the right rhythm and rhyme and returned in the game. They captured third and fourth set with a score of 25-18 and 25-22. The game entered the 15-point golden set in the search of winner. American team sidelined Mexicans by winning the final set 15-11. Mexico lost the first match against USA.
Argentina vs. Mexico
Mexico faced Argentina in the second match on 26th September, 2010. The Argentinean team was quick to score, and they easily managed to grab the first two sets of the game. They dominated Mexico by posting 25-12 and 25-19. Mexicans resisted to Argentina’s lead and put more effort in third set. Mexicans created a little buzz in the game by capturing third set with the help of 25-17. Anyhow, Argentina crushed their dream by winning the final set (25-15).
Mexico vs. Venezuela
Mexico clashed with Venezuela in third critical match on 27th September, 2010. It was the only chance for Mexican team to clinch a berth in second round. They took full advantage of the opportunity and ousted Venezuela’s team in straight sets. Venezuela put up great fight and defended their score. Somehow, Mexicans proved to be the better team and availed the golden chance. Venezuela was dismissed and eliminated from the tournament. Mexico pulled off match-victory by sending 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, and 25-20).
It was the biggest achievement for Mexican team in many years. The team has now captured a slot in Pool H. Serbia and Cuba is already in the squad, which pose a great threat to Mexico.
Mexico’s coach, Jorge Lopez is optimistic about the next phase of the game. He stated, "It is the first time in history that we are through to the second round. We know Serbia and Cuba are well above us, but we are playing well and hope to maintain our highly-effective serve in order to make it tough for them. We will keep on dreaming."
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