Cuba eye up final round as Italy lose
 Lausanne,
Switzerland, July 1, 2005 – Cuba
continued their excellent form in the
2005 World League when they beat France
3-0 (33-31, 33-31, 25-12) on Friday,
putting them on the verge of claiming
the last of four final round tickets.
With Brazil and Poland having been
confirmed as winners of Pools A and C
respectively and the correresponding
final round tickets, Cuba are in the
drivers set in Pool B to do the same.
Hosts Serbia and Montenegro are
automatic qualifiers for the finals in
Belgrade.
Pic: Bulgaria pulled off a surprise 3-1
win over Italy
Cuba's victory and Italy's surprise 3-1
(30-32, 25-17, 25-23, 25-21) defeat at
the hands of Bulgaria means only Cuba
and Italy are left with a chance to win
the group. Cuba lead with seven
victories, followed by Italy with six so
Italy's next match against Bulgaria in
Varna on Sunday at 20:30 (local time) is
a must win affair for the eight-time
World League champions.
If either Italy lose or Cuba win their
next match against France on Saturday at
20:40 (local time), Italy will miss out
on the finals for the first time in
their history and Cuba will qualify for
the first time since 2001.
In Friday's other action, Poland, who
had already had their final round ticket
confirmed prior to their match in
Argentina after Greece lost to Serbia
and Montenegro, comfortably beat
Argentina 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-20). |
Competition Formula