The Bulgarian national team started the first game with a bang, demonstrating strong serving and blocking, leaving no doubt about their superiority - 25:16. From the second set onwards, however, the Cubans found their rhythm, especially from the serve, which seriously challenged our reception. Our strongest weapon - the attack - was well below the level we are used to seeing. Gradually, the advantage shifted to the Caribbean boys, and our boys failed to maintain the initial high level.
In the fourth game, Cuba reached match point at 24:17, but then the Bulgarians showed character - a series of 4 points after excellent serves and blocks gave hope. The Cubans took a timeout, which managed to stop the Bulgarians' momentum, and Velichkov, who was otherwise among the strongest on the court, sent his serve out, ending the match - 1:3.
Team Statistics
| Statistics | Bulgaria | Cuba |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 41 | 54 |
| Block | 9 | 7 |
| Service | 3 | 9 |
| Opponent Errors | 33 | 20 |
| Total Points | 86 | 90 |
Cuba won decisively in attack (54 vs. 41), and was far more effective from the serve (9 aces vs. 3). Bulgaria compensated with more points from opponent errors (33), but this was not enough. Our block was stable again, but consistency was lacking in decisive moments.
Play by Elements
| Element | Bulgaria | Cuba |
|---|---|---|
| Digs | 51 | 48 |
| Reception | 67 | 71 |
| Setting | 82 | 93 |
Bulgaria showed stability in defense and even surpassed Cuba in digs (51 to 48), but subsequent actions lacked effectiveness, especially in attack. The Cubans had better distribution and more efficient reception, which allowed their attackers to play with more options.
Top scorers
| Bulgaria | Points | Cuba | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhasmin Velichkov | 11 | Yoan Martinez | 23 |
| Aleksandar Kandev | 11 | Larea | 14 |
The 18-year-old Velichkov, who finished with high efficiency, and captain Kandev led our attack with an equal number of points - 11 points each, but a third stable scorer was missing. Cuban leader Martinez was undisputed with 23 points, and Larea added 14. This superiority in individual performers tipped the scales.
Individual statistics:
| No. | Last name | Position | Total Points | Attack | Block | Service | Errors | Efficiency % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Velichkov | OH | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 4.65 | |
| 13 | Kandev (c) | OH | 11 | 9 | 0 | 2 | -4.88 | |
| 8 | Delibosov | MB | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0.00 | |
| 1 | Bachvarov | O | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2.70 | |
| 11 | Zhekov | S | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | -6.25 | |
| 12 | Rusev | MB | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | |
| 14 | Ivanov | OH | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 100.00 | |
| 22 | Nikolaev | MB | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10.00 | |
| 2 | Vitekov | S | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -25.00 | |
| 4 | Tsanev | L | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 17 | Andreev | O | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 18 | Hristov | OH | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Delibosov's good inclusion is noticeable, while his teammate Nikolaev was less sought after by Zekov. Our setter recorded 4 points, three of which were blocks, utilizing his height advantage of 193 centimeters. Nikolay Ivanov received playing minutes at the end of the match when he replaced Kandez, and showed qualities. Rangel Vitekov came in to serve on the first match point for the Cubans and remained until the end of the match.
Bulgaria started strong, but after the first game lost control over reception and did not find enough weapons in attack. Cuba, with its powerful serve and the leadership role of Martinez, logically won 3:1.
Tomorrow our team plays against Japan again at 6 o'clock, Bulgarian time.
