Argentina stop Cuba and get into the qualification zone

Argentina are set to end the second week of the Volleyball Nations League 2025 Preliminary Phase inside the qualification zone for the Finals after they overcame Cuba in a five-set battle in Belgrade on Sunday to secure their fifth victory in the tournament.

Coming from a win over hosts Serbia on Saturday, the South Americans delivered when it mattered and used their technique to deal with the Cuban physicality and come out on top 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 15-11) in their last match in the Serbian capital.

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The two points earned with the victory elevated the Argentinean total in the VNL standings to 13, getting them up to seventh place - the seven best teams in the Preliminary Phase and hosts China will compete in the Finals, which are going to be held in Ningbo, from July 30-August 3. The Cubans, who had won their first three matches in Belgrade, are right below, in ninth place, with the same 13 points, but just four victories.

Young opposite Germán Gómez delivered another strong performance and led the Argentineans to victory with 22 points scored, all in kills. Outside hitter Luciano Palonsky got 18, with 17 kills and one block.

“It was an amazing match for us,” setter Matías Sánchez said. “They are a fantastic team and we’re very happy to have won it. It was very important for us, and we ended the week very well. Cuba serve very well and have great blockers, so we tried to be very efficient with our offense.”

Cuban captain and outside hitter Miguel Ángel López was his team’s most productive player, with 18 points, all obtained in kills. Opposite Jose Masso registered 17, with 13 kills, three blocks and one ace.

The first match of the day in Belgrade also went to five sets, with Iran topping the Netherlands 3-2 (25-19, 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-9). Later, Germany triumphed 3-1 (25-20, 25-21, 23-25, 25-17) over hosts Serbia.

Ukraine come back to beat Bulgaria in Burgas

In Burgas, the home team also went down on the last day of matches as Bulgaria got an early lead over Ukraine, but couldn't hold onto it and saw their opponents come back to win 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-22).

Earlier, Japan topped Slovenia 3-0 (27-25, 25-15, 25-16) and France downed Türkiye also 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-19), completing the last day of matches in the Bulgarian city.

VNL 2025 – Match Schedule & Results

The VNL 2025 will have a one-week break before the women return to action from July 9-13. The men will compete again from July 16-20, with pools held in Chiba, Japan, Gdańsk, Poland, and Ljubljana, Slovenia.

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