Cuba press hail bronze medal

Havana, Cuba, July 11, 2005 - Cuban media on Monday praised the bronze medal won by the Caribbean country's national team in the 16th Men's World Volleyball League.

"Good for the bronze!" said the State-run daily Granma in its article commenting on Sunday's victory of Cuba over Poland (3-2) at Belgrade Arena, Serbia and Montenegro, while weekly magazine Trabajadores highlighted the medal as a "Golden bronze".

After winning the first set 25-23, the Cubans lost the next two 22-25 and 24-26, but they bravely fought back to wrap up the match with a 25-18 fourth set and fifth set on 15-13.

Before the victory, the Cubans had won a gold in 1998, five silver medals in 1991, 1992, 1994, 1997 and 1999, and two bronze medals in 1995 since their entry to the World League in 1991.

Brazil won the title after beating Serbia and Montenegro 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 26-24, 25-21) in the final for their third successive World league crown, fourth in five years and fifth title overall.