Crunch time in Pool B of the 2009 FIVB World League has
arrived.
France and Argentina will fight in the sixth and final
weekend of Intercontinental Round play at the San Juan Aldo Cantoni Stadium in
a duel that will determine which of the two teams will advance to the Final
Round in Belgrade later this month.
The two most important matches of the Pool are scheduled
for Thursday and Friday at 9:00 p.m. local time, and will be broadcast live on
ESPN+ and Channel 7.
France leads Argentina by one point, meaning whoever
obtains the most points in San Juan will book a spot in the Final Six, as Pool
B leaders Serbia have already qualified as hosts. Should France and Argentina
finish level on points, the team that has a better points ratio will qualify.
While Argentina is coming off a split against Serbia in
Round 5, France had an ideal fifth weekend, winning 6 points in Korea to move
back into second place.
The only injury concern is Argentina's Luciano De Cecco,
who has picked up a minor leg injury. Demián González has joined the squad to
replace De Cecco if necessary. De Cecco will train hard on Wednesday before the
coaching staff and doctors decide whether he can play or not.
Expectations are so high that there is a constant queue
at the stadium to buy tickets, and many fans poured into the stadium to watch
Argentina practice on Tuesday afternoon. Many were there to see the three
players born in San Juan and another who plays for local club UPCN San Juan in
the A1 Men's League.
The newspapers, television and radio are abuzz about the
important event that will take place in San Juan, and everything is ready for a
new Volleyball party.