Cuba aiming for first top four finish
since 1999
 June
29, 2005 – There is unlikely to be an
empty seat in Havana – both in the "Ciudad
Deportiva" Coliseum and in every
television household – when Cuba hosts
France this weekend.
For the first time since the glory days
of the 90’s, are Cuba on the verge of
reaching the World League top four.
Until recently Cuba was one of the
sport's undisputed powerhouses with an
impressive history of success in the
World League but following a number of
national team defections in 2001, the
Central Americans have been rebuilding.
Since 2000, Cuba has finished 8th, 5th,
13th, 13th and 7th last year after
finishing no worst than fourth between
1991 and 1999. Now, Cuba must put their
heads down and collect two victories
over World Championship bronze
medallists France.
The last time these two teams met in
Week Three in France, Cuba beat the home
side 3-0 before losing the second match
3-2. Over 15,000 fans are expected to
pack “the Coliseum” to guarantee a red
hot atmosphere; Somehow, one doesn’t
envy France, who are themselves in
contention for the Final Round, if they
managed to collected two victories and
improve their points ratio. |
Competition Formula