Cuba is still in the running after defeating India

Vice world champion Cuba keeps the chance to qualify for the Olympic Games. After succumbing to Germany in five dramatic sets on Saturday the Cubans beat underdog India, who stayed without a victory against the three rivals, with 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-20). Cuba now has to await the result of the match between Germany, undefeated yet, and the Czech Republic.
Cuba´s Rolando Cepeda was on top of all scorers making 22 points, Singh Gurinder (11) scored most for India.

As expected world ranked 5th Cuba quickly took the lead in the first set and didn´t give India a chance to score. To the first technical time out India was down with zero points and could score first when the Cubans were already leading with 11 points. Cuba left no doubt to be the superior team and extended the lead to a 25-12 set win demonstrating a great defense and strong spikes. Especially Cuba´s Rolando Cepeda was showing his a-game scoring 11 points.

Unlike before India got to keep up better with the Cuban team in the second set and initially took a little lead. Cuba didn´t get worked up and equated at 9-9. However, they didn´t manage to pull clear of the Indians this time until the final phase of the set. It was an unforced error in India´s defense that caused the 25-22 for Cuba.

India succeeded keeping pace with Cuba once again in the beginning of the third set. But Cuba, intending to end the match in quick sets, got to improve their performance and took advance over India again, showing great services and attacks. India´s players were still trying hard to retard the end of the match but couldn´t prevent another set loss, Isbel Mesa finally converted the match point for Cuba with a strong strike through the middle.

Statements
Cuba coach Orlando Samuels: „It was hard to play after the defeat against Germany yesterday. I think there has been only one crucial game during this tournament. I´m not content because we probably doesn´t get to qualify for the Olympic games by winning against Germany.”

Cuba captain Wilfredo Leon: “It was a good and fair game today, I´m m satisfied with the victory. Now we have to await the last game between Germany and the Czech Republic.”

India coach G.E. Sridharan: “I´m happy about my team´s performance today, it was better than the last two days. Cuba is a very high level team and we learned much by playing against them. Best wishes to the team which is going to the Olympic Games.”

India captain Singh Gurinder: “We´re very pleased with the last two sets. Cuba is a very strong team, I´m happy with our performance today.”