Russia claims victory over Cuba again

(BEIJING, July 6) -- The Russian team emerged victorious over Cuba for the fourth time in the preliminary rounds of the FIVB World League. Russia won 3-1

(25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 25-20).

The previous match between Russia and Cuba proved to be very tense with both sides trying to play their best in the hopes of advancing to the finals. Russia managed to take that match, 3-1.

This time, the line-up of both teams had some changes, but ultimately, Russia was able to capture the win again.

From the very beginning, the Cubans seemed to want to avenge their first loss, but their offense lacked team-play. As a result, they missed two faults. Russia led at the first TTO and increased their lead to 18-13 after the second TTO. A second time-out was called by the Russian head coach who pointed out the mistakes of his players. This is just what the Russians needed. They claimed the set 25-17.

Russia opened the second set carelessly. For this they paid a price. Cuba soon turned the situation around in their favor by leading 16-9 at the second TTO. Despite substitutes on the Russian team, who were eager to reverse the situation, Cuba did not back down, winning 25-18.

The third set was a tough battle for both sides. Russia took an early lead at the beginning, increasing the lead gradually throughout the set due to poor blocks and unlucky receives from their opponents. Alexey Kuleshow and his teammate Semen Poltavsky prevented Cuba from narrowing the gap with perfect blocks and spikes. Though Venero Wilfredo and Bell Cisnero Henry tried their best, this set ended 25-20 in Russia's favor.

Cuba's attacks were either blocked by Alexey Kuleshov or flew out of the court in the last set. As a result of their errors, they failed to catch up to Russia at the second TTO (16:14). One Cuban athlete, the best scorer of this match, Bell Cisnero Henry, really played well by claiming 15 points. However, even with this mighty force, Russia took the set 25-20.