Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
China, August 26 - The Cuban team defeated Brazil with set scores of 25-23, 25-19, and 25-20, securing a spot in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Men’s U21 Volleyball World Championship being held in Jiangmen, China.
Under the guidance of Lian Sem Estrada, the team achieved their second victory — the previous one against Bulgaria — placing them third in Group C with seven points, alongside an equal number of losses to the undefeated leaders, the Czech Republic and Japan, both with 11 points.
The Cubans will face Colombia this Tuesday, who today lost to the Japanese team (16-25, 11-25, 14-25), marking their fourth consecutive defeat.
Cuba outperformed Brazil in attacks (44-33), blocks (11-5), and serves (3-2). Although they committed more errors (23-17), they managed to overcome difficult moments to secure the victory in one hour and 15 minutes.
This time, opposite hitter Daniel Martínez was productive again, scoring 19 points (15 attacks, 3 blocks, 1 ace), with excellent support from corner player Carlos Pereira, who tallied 20 points (18-1-1).
Other contributors included outside hitter Félix Rodríguez (7/6-0-1), middle blocker José Ángel Morejón (5/4-1-0), setter Ronaldo Flaquet (4 blocks), and blocker Nathan Massó (3/1-2-0), along with libero Jhonan Álvarez.
None of the South American Giants’ players reached double digits. Four of their men only managed to score seven points, including middle blocker Henrique Guedes (4-3-0).
This Tuesday, in addition to the Cuba-Colombia match, at five in the morning (local time), Bulgaria and Brazil will compete for a place in the Round of 16, which only the top four teams from each of the four groups will advance to.
In Thailand, following today’s rest day, the Cuban women will compete against Slovakia tomorrow, seeking their first victory in the senior women’s world championship after facing defeats in Group B against Belgium and Italy in three sets. (Text and photo: Cubasí)
