Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 13, 2016 – As much more experienced Argentine side defeated the young Cuban team in straight sets (25-16, 25-14, 25-16) in Pool B of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s volleyball competition at Maracanazinho on Saturday.
Argentina showed some balanced offence against Cuba, with Ezequiel Palacios leading them with 13 points. Bruno Lima and Cristian Poglajen contributed to their victory with 10 and nine points, respectively. Cuba, on the other hand, mainly relied on the offence of Osniel Rendon, who also scored 13 points.
Argentina capitalised on their strength in attack, which gave them a comfortable cushion in the opening set. Cuba, on the other hand could not convert on their attempts. Argentina won a challenge that got them at set point, until Cristian Poglajen ensured it with an attack winner to close the first set 25-16.
Argentina overwhelmed Cuba in the second set as Ezequiel Palacios and Bruno Lima stepped up on offence. Cuba had a promising start in the set and even held the lead but the Argentine block strained their offence. Argentina took a 2-0 set-lead with a block from Poglajen.
Argentina executed power plays with Palacios and Lima. Palacios also helped out on defence, which helped his squad to gain a significant advantage. Argentina completed the straight-set triumph with a 25-16 win in the third set.