Cuba must demonstrate their recovery power today, against the Czech Republic, after the setback against Germany, which made them dream of victory after winning the first set, before losing the next three.
Mentor Jesús Cruz stated that they had worked on the deficiencies detected in the Pan American Cup in Charleston, United States. During the several-day training sessions in Havana, it is hard to accept so many mistakes, like the 31 against Germany, a team that took advantage of them, combined with their better attack, 52% to 37%, while both tied with eight blocks.
Only the lack of concentration explains why, after winning 25-21, they lost 25-14 and in the fourth set, 25-15. Two players, Marlon Yant and Miguel Ángel López (13 points each), battled on offense, as opposite hitter Jesús Herrera was silenced with eight points, while his German counterpart, Georg Grozer, scored 24 times.
The Czechs, defeated by Italy and Brazil, favorites to secure the two spots heading to Paris, should be an accessible opponent, which would improve the disposition of the Antillean team to perform honorably in such a strong competition, where it is necessary to demonstrate the ability to play as a team, something that fails them in crucial moments.
The standings of Group A have Italy, Germany, and Brazil (2-0) as leaders. Then comes Cuba (1-1), Ukraine (1-1), and the Czech Republic, Iran, and Qatar (0-2). The United States and Slovenia (2-0) top Group B, and Poland and Canada (2-0) lead Group C.