The Argentine men's national team opened its season in San Juan with two control matches against Cuba, which offered different scenarios but a similar conclusion - coach Marcelo Mendez's squad depth works.
June 4 - Argentina - Cuba 3:0 (25:18, 25:19, 25:19)
Squad: Sanchez, Vicentin, Gallego, Loser, Palonsky, Kukartsev
Reserves: Giraudo, Zerba, Maciel, Lima, Gomez, Martinez, Diaz, Luengas, Armoa, Conde, Scarpa
(an additional set was played by mutual agreement)June 6 - Argentina - Cuba 3:2 (25:19, 25:20, 21:25, 18:25, 16:14)
Squad: Sanchez, Luengas, Palonsky, Zerba, Kukartsev, Loser
Substitutions: Scarpa, Martinez, Gomez, Conde, Gallego, Maciel
What did the two tests show?
| Position | Player(s) and participation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Setter | Sanchez (2/2), Giraudo (res.), Luengas (1 start) | Sanchez is conductor No. 1, Luengas pressures the starter. |
| Opposite | Kukartsev (2/2), Lima (sub) | Undisputed starting role for Kukartsev. |
| Setter | Loser (2/2), Gallego (1 start + sub), Zerba (1 start + sub) | Loser is a constant; Gallego and Zerba compete for the second position. |
| Outside Hitter | Palonsky (2/2), Vicentin (1 start), Martinez, Armoa, Conde, Scarpa | Palonsky is a constant; a tough battle for the remaining spots. |
| Libero | Gomez (2/2), Diaz (sub) | Gomez seems to be the first choice. |
Five players - Sanchez, Palonsky, Kukartsev, Loser, and Gomez - started in both matchessuggesting that the starting lineup for the opening VNL tournament will be built around them.
Schedule in Quebec: strong start for the "Gauchos"
| Date (BG time) | Opponent | Note |
|---|---|---|
| June 11, 23:30 | France | Debut against the reigning Olympic champion |
| June 13, 03:00 | Canada | |
| June 13, 23:30 | Bulgaria | Match #3 for Argentina, live on MAX Sport 2 |
(Times are in Bulgarian time.)
Probable delegation for Canada (14 players)
Setters:Sanchez,GirauDo
Opposites:Kukartsev,Lima
Middle blockers:Loser,Zerba,Gallego
Outside Hitters:Palonsky,Visentin,Martinez,Armoa, Scarpa
Libero:Gomez,Diaz
The final list will be confirmed just before departure, but these 14 names are expected to wear the blue and white in Quebec.
