Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 26, 2015 – Russia made a great comeback to overcome Argentina 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 15-9) in the second game of third day action in Pool B of FIVB Men’s U23 World Championship at Al Ahli Club, on Wednesday.
Russia stayed unbeaten after three games but now one point behind Turkey.
Sergei Nikitin of Russia scored 21 points for the winning team, while Argentina’s Pablo Koukartsev scored 19 points.
The game at Al Ahli Club started really tight. The match progressed point by point between teams until Russia’s 18-15 lead. Some strong spikes from Gaston Fernandez and Joaquin Gallego helped Argentina to level it 20-all and double block from Joaquin Gallego-Pablo Koukartsev brought the set 25-23.
Russia stepped up with the second set. European team was very aggressive on the net with Egor Kliuka and Sergei Nikitin. Argentina never let Russia to create a big gap but Russia did not lose the control before winning the set 25-21.
Two teams put a great fight on the stage in the third set. The lead changed between Russia and Argentina many times but after Russia’s 22-20 lead, Argentina scored five points in a row to win the set 25-22.
Russia again responded well after losing a set and pushed Argentina to make mistakes. Russia gained a six points advantage at 14-8 but South American’s managed to level the game 22-all. In the end Russia were the better side and won the set 25-22.
Russia’s serves caused problems for Argentina defence in the tie break. They had a comfortable lead at 8-4 and never looked back to win eventually 15-9.