MATCH INFO

Almirante Brown, Argentina, August 27, 2011 - In a very exciting affair, Korea managed to overcome Puerto Rico in four sets (25-23, 18-25, 25-17, 32-30) to face Russia in the final match for the 13th position. The Caribbeans played their best match of the tournament, but now they will decide with Tunisia the places 15-16.

The outstanding performance of Puerto Rico's Carlos Acosta, with 23 points, wasn't enough to give his side the first victory in Argentina. Ángel Pérez contributed with 18 tallies, but Puerto Rico gave away 38 points by mistakes, while Korea only dropped 20. In the Asian team, Jun-Young Kim reached the top with 14 kills.

The match started with a slight Korean advantage in 8-6. The Asians were unbeatable in defense and they increased the difference to 14-7. Giovanni Llinás scored several times for Puerto Rico to shorten the deal to 18-14, and quickly Pérez and Acosta shone for a 22-point tie. However, Korea rushed to 25-23 in the very end.

Puerto Rico played then the best set of the tournament. Francisco Vélez punished with his serve and Acosta became a nightmare for Korea's blocking and defense, and a lead of 8-5 rapidly grew to 16-8. Korea never had a chance and Puerto Rico added som blocks to celebrate a well-earned 25-18.

Korea reacted fiercely and jumped to a 6-1 score despite the effort of the Caribbean players. The highlight was for Kim as he spiked the way for a Korean lead of 16-8. Puerto Rico couldn't repeat the good numbers of the previous set and a wrong serve from the NORCECA team sealed a 25-17.

The emotion maxed up in the fourth chapter, with Korea achieving minimal leads at both technical time outs (8-7 and 16-15). The Asians managed a four-point advantage in 22-18, but Llinás' serves made some heavy damage in the Korean reception and the set tied in 24 points each. Both teams had the lead in the final track, but finally Korea notched the match by 32-30.