Poland overcomes Cuba in opening match of 2011 FIVB World Cup – Volleyball News
The Polish team surprised the strong Cuban squad in the opening game of 2011 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup on Sunday, November 20 at the Nippon Gaishi hall in Nagoya, Japan. The winning strategy of Coach Andrea Anastasi helped the team to stay on the right
foot and led them to success. Poland finished off the match in straight sets with final score of 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-16).
Fernando Hernandez topped all scorers with his match-high 21 points in the loss. Piotr Nowakowski of Poland emerged as the top scorer on his side with 13 points, while Zbigniew Bartman and Michal Winiarski followed him up with 11 points apiece. Poland’s
team work was the real key to success. On the other hand, Cuba relied heavily on Hernandez and could not achieve the desired results.
Cuba was full of life in the opening phase of the match. Hernandez produced some impressive shots and tried to put pressure on the opposite side. However, the Cuban team soon caught up in a flurry of mistakes and created the perfect opportunity for Poland
to go up on the score card. Poland picked up four-point lead at the first technical timeout (8-4). Cubans played fast but made too many unforced errors, which caused the loss. Poland took full advantage of the situation and closed off first set with 25-21
victory.
Cubans realised their flaws in the second set and came up with a better plan. They controlled their unnecessary mistakes and managed to get back on the track. Eventually, second set turned into a heated competition and both teams frequently traded lead.
Score shifted up with close gaps and there was extremely no telling about the outcome until final whistle of referee. Poland once again walked away with 12-point advantage and won second set, 25-13.
Bartman of Cuba started the third set with a strong spike, while Poland used Winiarski for counter attack. Caribbean team came from different sides but failed to save the match. Poland captured third set at 25-16 and declared match victory.
Poland coach Andrea Anastasi expressed delight about his team’s victory. He appreciated the good effort of players and complimented them for strong concentration during the match.
Polish skipper Marcin Mozdzonek also had his say about the match. He stated: "We played well. Our tactics were good and focused. We did a great job with attack, service and defence. So I am pleased with the victory".
Orlando Samuells, the Cuban Coach said: "We had too many unforced errors today. We didn't create our own rhythm. Our performance was very bad. They played well and this was the reason for the result. We have a young team and this tournament is a good chance
for them to gain experience".
Wilfredo Leon of Cuba said that first game is always like this. Things did not work out their way but they will change the mind-set in the next match.
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