MATCH INFO

Berlin, Germany, June 8, 2012 – Cuba scored a 3-1 win (27-29, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21) over spirited Czech Republic on the first day of action in the FIVB World Olympic Qualifications at Max- Schmeling Hall in Berlin, Germany on Friday . Wilfredo Leon and Yenry Bell spearheaded the Cuba assault with 16 and 15 points, respectively as best scorers of their team in the comprehensive victory. Czech’s Jan Stokr was the match top scorer with an impressive 29 pts.

The win was the eighth victory for the Cubans over their European opponent in 11 matches.

Cuba took the lead right from the beginning. They put the Czech Republic under pressure with strong serving and blocking while the Europeans first struggled to find their way into the game. But a series of aces from setter Ondrej Boula turned the lead. Both teams failed to convert two set points, at the end it was a successful three-man-block of the Czech Republic closing the set with a surprising 29-27 win.

As in the end of the first set the teams were having a neck-and-neck race in the second set. The Czechs now showed up more confidence and profited by Cuba´s problems in defence. Especially Stokr scored some important points for his team which kept the set tight. The decision was made by a Cuban double block which leads to a 25-23 in favor of Cuba.

The Cubans continued showing a strong performance in the third set and quickly took advantage over the Czechs. Fernando Hernandez and Wilfredo Leon imposed with powerful attacks and services. Like in the first set the Czech team came back though at took the lead for the first time at 18-17. Anyway the Cubans hold their nerves this time and gained the lead with 2-1 sets.

Set four showed up to be a reflection of the second one. Neither of the teams got ahead which kept the final outcome open over a long distance. Finally it was the Cuban team which took the lead again and secured the opening victory.