IT was a thrilling final day of matches yesterday in the preliminary round of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship 2019.
Argentina claimed their berth in the second phase after defeating previously unbeaten Korea in both teams’ final Pool B match of the opening stage. The result propelled the Argentinians to the top of their group ahead of the Koreans.
Russia and Italy stayed undefeated after three games to lead their respective pools. Both won their matches yesterday in three sets, with the Russians taking care of Tunisia and the Italians surprising Brazil.
Iran joined Russia from their group after winning a tightly contested three-setter against the Czech Republic in a match that decided who qualified for the second round.
In other fixtures yesterday that had no bearing on the advancing teams, Cuba needed five sets to dispose of Egypt, Puerto Rico beat Morocco in four, and Poland defeated Canada also in four sets.
In Argentina’s Pool B contest, the victors claimed maximum points with their 3-1 (20-25, 29-27, 25-22, 25-22) decision. Luciano Palonsky was the top scorer for Argentina with 23 points, while Federico José Seia added 13. Korea captain Donghyeok Im scored 27 for his side.
Argentina coach Martin Lopez: “Today, Korea made some mistakes, but generally, they play very well. They are a very good team. We thought we played good defence today, and we knew that this was the only way for Argentina to win.
“I’m very happy with the result today and to be the leader in the pool. But it is important to continue our hard work.”
Cuba won against Egypt 3-2 (26-24, 25-20, 21-25, 20-25, 15-9) in the division’s other game.
In Iran’s win, they managed to eke out the first set by two points, and the after cruising in the second, won by two once again in the third to seal the 3-0 (29-27, 25-18, 26-24) result.
Porya Yali led the Iranians with 20 points, while Morteza Sharifi and Mehran Feyzemamdoust had 10 apiece. Marek Sotola paced the Czech squad with 17.
“We did very well in the match,” said Iran team captain Amirhossein Esfandiar. “We know it would be hard because both teams need the win to go to the next round. Our team was better today, totally we played very well. Thank you very much to God for this win.
“Now we are in the top eight. Now we think we want to go to the semi-finals, and then next, we think about the final.”
Italy and Brazil were both unbeaten as they headed into yesterday’s clash. By the end of the contest, it was the Italians who maintained a pristine record, stunning their rivals in three sets (25-22, 25-15, 25-18).
Francesco Recine and Daniele Lavia provided a one-two punch for Italy, scoring 11 points apiece. Angellus Costa Da Silva also had 11 in pacing Brazil in the loss.
Italy coach Monica Cresta: “I am happy so far with the performance of the team. We knew it was a tough pool, but we are contented. We have made good results with this round.”