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The Cuban men's volleyball team delivered one of the most exciting surprises of the 2025 Nations League on Thursday by defeating the host Poland 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 26-24), the current number one in the world ranking and one of the clear favorites for the title.
The match, which pitted the naturalized Polish player Wilfredo León against his country of birth, took place in the port city of Gdansk, home to Group 7 in the third week of the preliminary phase. Although the Cubans lost the first set, they came back strongly to dominate the next three sets thanks to effective blocking, aggressive serving, and a tactical approach that destabilized the local team.
The victory marked the sixth win - adding up to four losses - for the Caribbean team in the tournament and places them in the lead-up to the final round, according to the government website Cubadebate.
Protagonists of triumph
The villaclareño Marlon Yant once again stood out as the offensive backbone of the team, scoring 18 points, followed by opposite José Massó (15 points), captain Miguel Ángel López (12), and middle blockers Javier Concepción (10) and Roberlandy Simón (9). All of them played a key role in overcoming the powerful European team, which featured its star León in a match that didn't shine too brightly.
Leap in the rankings and the end of a drought
With this victory, Cuba accumulates 14.06 points in the world ranking of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), rising from tenth to eighth place. The result also holds symbolic value: it is the first time in 15 years that Cuba has defeated Poland in a top-level tournament.
What’s coming: France and China
The team led by Jesús Cruz will face France, the double Olympic champion, this Friday in another high-stakes match. The preliminary round will conclude on Sunday against China, in a game where the Cubans will aim to secure their place in the decisive stage of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Victory in the 2025 Nations League
How did Cuba manage to defeat Poland in the 2025 Nations League?
Cuba defeated Poland thanks to an effective block, aggressive serving, and a tactical approach that destabilized the local team. Despite losing the first set, the Cubans came back strong to dominate the next three sets, with standout performances from players like Marlon Yant, José Massó, and Miguel Ángel López. This victory was significant not only for the quality of the opponent but also because it allowed Cuba to climb in the world rankings.
What was the impact of Cuba's victory over Poland on the world volleyball ranking?
The victory allowed Cuba to accumulate 14.06 points in the FIVB world ranking, climbing from tenth to eighth place. This advancement in the ranking reflects the strong performance of the Cuban team in the tournament and its ability to compete at the highest level, ending a 15-year drought without defeating Poland in a top-tier tournament.
What challenges does Cuba face in the upcoming matches of the 2025 Nations League?
The Cuban team will face France and China in the preliminary phase of the 2025 Nations League. These matches are crucial for securing their advancement to the decisive stage of the tournament. France, being a double Olympic champion, represents a significant challenge, while the match against China will be vital for ensuring a strong positioning heading into the final round.
How has Cuba performed in the Nations League 2025 so far?
So far, Cuba has achieved six victories and four defeats in the 2025 Nations League. This performance has allowed them to position themselves on the brink of the final round. Despite facing logistical issues such as visa errors that impacted their preparation, the team has demonstrated a remarkable performance in the competition.
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