The Serbian men's national volleyball team continues to search for its rhythm in the Nations League. The "Eagles" registered a second consecutive loss in Belgrade and a total of fifth since the start of the tournament, after losing to Cuba with 1:3 (25:22, 22:25, 16:25, 16:25). Thus, their balance after six matches played is 1 win and 5 losses, and their next opponents are Argentina (Saturday, 8:00 PM) and Germany (Sunday, 8:00 PM).
The Serbian volleyball players started promisingly in front of the enthusiastic audience in "Stark Arena" and won the first set with good organization in serving, blocking, and attacking. However, Cuba found its rhythm from the second set onwards and demonstrated superiority in both defense and at the net – 18 blocks against only 4 for the hosts, plus 10 aces against 3.
Individual statistics were also in favor of the Cubans.
Maso was the most effective with 19 points, Yant added 18, and Lopez – 13. For Serbia, the opposite hitter Dražen Luburić was the most effective with 14 points, and Veljko Mašulović finished with 11.
Captain Marko Ivović after the match:
"This is a new team, a process is needed. It happens that we clash with each other on the court – something that shouldn't happen. In such moments, you lose not only one point, but two or three more after it. I am glad that despite everything we showed good energy. We play for this country, for these people. I hope the young players after us will be even better."
The presence of former national players like Atanasijević, Petrić, Katić, and Rosić in the hall brought additional emotion to the young team, which is looking for a new identity after a significant squad overhaul. The goal – stability and achieving the maximum in the remaining matches of the tournament.
