The ruling order of world Volleyball was shaken up on Wednesday as Argentina, France, Iran and China pulled off the surprise of the 2007 FIVB Boy's Youth World Championship in Mexico, after they won the tickets for the semi-finals, leaving the six times world champions Brazil and title holders Russia out of the top four story for the first time in ten years.
In the do-or-die semi-finals on Saturday in Tijuana, Argentina, leader of Pool E take on China, the second place finisher of Pool F, and France, first place of Pool F, will challenge Iran.
Argentina, fourth in the last Youth WCH 2005, showed a consistent play in their last second-round match against Iran winning in thrilling five sets, as the South Americans penetrated the Asian defence with the exceptional spikes of Rodrigo Ronda (23 points) and Facundo Conte (18 points) to capture the convincing 25-17, 18-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-11 victory in Pool E.
In the same Pool, Brazil played an easy match against India, edging out the Asian team in straight sets 25-22, 25-23, 25-13 in 70 minutes. Despite this triumph, the South American champion could not get the second place of the Group due ratio difference win Iran.
Meanwhile in Pool F, the Europe champions France reached their goal as they put in their best effort to beat Belgium 3-0 in an emotional match 25-20, 25-18, 25-16, and advance first in their Pool into the top four by ratio difference, edging Poland of their way.
Earlier in Pool F, Poland gave an enormous surprise when their high spirited players beat China in one spectacular five-setter match (19-25, 24-26, 25-23, 25-20, 15-12). The best scorer was Jan Krol with 20 points in this long match that lasted almost two hours. Despite the disappointing loss China remains second-placed finishers of Pool F.
In Mexicali Pool G saw the United States beat with much confidence the Egypt 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-14) in un hour, while defending world champion Russia could not defeat Germany that won in four sets 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-15 in 91 minutes.
Host Mexico continue with their victorious second round matches and struggled hard with Norceca champions Puerto Rico winning 3-2 (15-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-20, 19-17) in a great come back.
Finally in Pool H, Cuba claimed an easy victory over Tunisia 3-0 (28-26, 25-19, 25-23) in 74 minutes, with Caribbean Armando Danger as best scorer with 25 points.
The competition resumes on Saturday after two days of rest. In the round for the 9-12 positions, Mexico will meet Russia and Puerto Rico goes against Germany in the semi final phase. In the round for the 13-16 places USA meets Tunisia and Cuba will play against Egypt.
2007 FIVB Boy’s Youth World Championship
2nd Round Standings
Pool E: 1. Argentina, 2. Iran, 3. Brazil, 4. India
Pool F: 1. France, 2. China, 3. Poland, 4. Belgium
Pool G: 1. Mexico, 2. Puerto Rico, 3. USA, 4. Egypt
Pool H: 1. Germany, 2. Russia, 3. Cuba, 4. Tunisia
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου