Argentina won the 22nd edition of the Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial after overcoming the host team of Poland 3-1 in the closing match of the tournament. Nikola Grbić's boys started the tournament excellently – with a convincing 3-0 victory over Serbia. A day later, however, the Brazilians showed superiority and left no chance for the "white-reds," winning in three sets. On the final day of the competition, "druzhina polska" (the Polish team) faced the sensation of the tournament – Argentina. The match turned into a real battle, but in the end, the South Americans prevailed. Polish media comment on this result with some concern, as less than two weeks remain until the start of the World Championship in the Philippines.

Match development

First set
The start was not encouraging for the "white-reds." They trailed throughout the entire set, without finding an answer to the opponent's attacks (12:17). The Argentinians controlled the events, and Luciano Palonsky scored the last point – 20:25.

Second set
The scenario changed. For a long time, the game went point for point, but at 20:20, Wilfredo León's serves tipped the scales in favor of the hosts. The experienced receiver finished the set with a powerful attack from the back row – 25:21.

Third set
Marcelo Méndez's team began to dominate. Until 12:12, it was a tie, but then Argentina gradually increased its lead. The set ended after a block against Huber – 19:25 and 2:1 for the "gauchos."

Fourth set
Here, the spectators who filled the "Tauron Arena" in Krakow witnessed the greatest drama. The score was almost even throughout (18:18). In the decisive moments, the South Americans showed more composure. A block against Szymon Jakubiszak ended the match – 24:26.

Poland – Argentina 1:3
(20:25, 25:21, 19:25, 24:26)

The top scorers for Poland were Kurek and León with 14 points each, but the other starters did not fully unleash their potential. Tomasz Fornal, who turned 28 on the day of the match, performed below expectations, finishing with a modest 11 points for him.

The team's strength proved insufficient against Argentina's more organized and disciplined block.
For the winners, Palonsky finished with the best score – 17 points, followed by Lube Civitanova's new addition Kukartsev (14) and Italian Perugia player Agustín Loser (12). Pablo Kukartsev became the tournament's MVP.

For Wilfredo Leon, this match was special, as it was his 100th in the colors of Poland. Leon played his first match for the Polish national team on July 27, 2019. Interestingly, at that time, Vital Heynen's protégés also played a friendly match. At "Stegu Arena" in Opole, the Poles defeated the Netherlands 3:0. So far, with the Polish national team, he has won one gold and two bronze medals from European Championships, two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal from the League of Nations, and, what is most valuable so far – a silver Olympic medal.

Poland finished the Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial in third position. Argentina became the winner, Brazil was second, and Serbia remained fourth.

For Nikola Grbić's team, the most important challenge lies ahead – the World Championship in the Philippines (September 12–28). Italy will defend the championship title.

photos:fundacjawagnera.pland X