Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 28, 2015 – Cuba outclassed hosts United Arab Emirates in straight set (25-22, 28-26, 25-16) in Day 4 of Men's U23 World Championship to register their 4th victory in a row in their way to book the second semifinal ticket of Pool A after Italy earlier claimed the first.
The match held at Al Nasr Hall in Dubai on Friday showed a brave performance from the hosts, but finally it was the experience that allowed the Cubans to continue their streak.
The Cuban team also dominated all the skill having a 14/5 average in kill blocks beside 5/4 in Ace services.
Cuba's big gum was as usual their outside hitter Mestre Uriarte who scored 16 points including 3 stuff blocks, followed by the other position 4 hitter Abrahan Alfonso 14. UAE's marvelous attacker Mohamed Alswaidi contributed impressive 21 points for his team as the match top scorer.
Cuba thought that their job could be easy until their opponent showed great resistance in the first set with the proper defence for UAE team, so Norceca's team had to fight aggressively to win 25-22.
The second set featured more concentration for the host team as they caused many troubles for the Cubans through their arranged combinations beside the razor sharp hits from Alswaidi. Cuba saved 2 set points before they went to a tough 27-25 win.
The Cuban team took the matter seriously in the third set to control the net action and win 25-16 and the match 3-0.