Cuba won decisively 3:0 in their match against Colombia. For the boys from the Island of Freedom, this was a mandatory victory, as they had to erase the deficit from the first match, in which they surprisingly lost to Portugal 1:3, to preserve their chances for the elimination rounds.

Cuba – Colombia 3:0 (25:22, 25:21, 25:20)

Pool D – Preliminary Phase – Men #17, Pasay City, Philippines

Match Progress

Cuba started the match confidently and won the first set 25:22. In the second set, the islanders led 16:9, but Colombia made an impressive run of 6 consecutive points and reduced to 16:15. Despite this, Cuba withstood the pressure and after 19:16, 21:17, and 24:20 closed the set with 25:21 for 2:0.

The third set started evenly – 9:8 and 11:10 for Cuba, but after 16:12 the Latin Americans played with more confidence and left no chance for the opponent. Final score – 25:20 and a clean 3:0.

Team Statistics

Cuba had a tangible advantage in attack (43:31), as well as a slight edge in block (7:6). The service was equal, but the main difference came from the Cubans' higher efficiency in finishing attacks.

Game Elements

Colombia even won the battle in defense (52 saved balls versus 41), as well as in reception (55:53), but this was not enough to compensate for the difference in attack. Cuba had better connection between setter and attackers.

Top Scorers

Although Amaranto was the top scorer on the court with 18 points, his efforts were not enough to turn the match around. Cuba showed better balance – Mergarejo and Maso carried the points evenly and provided consistency.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov