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The Cuban men's team achieved its first victory in the 2025 Volleyball World Championship this Monday, defeating Colombia in straight sets in group D of the tournament, held at the Smart Arena Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.
According to the site JIT, the victory came with set scores of 25-22, 25-21, and 25-20, in a match where the Cubans dominated in attacks (43-31) and blocks (7-6), tied in serves (3-3), and only made one more error than their rivals (23-22), according to the official report of the tournament.
Individual performance
The standout for Cuba was Osniel Mergarejo, who scored 14 points when he started in place of Miguel Ángel López. Also contributing were José Massó (12), Marlon Yant (11), Javier Concepción (7), and the veteran Roberlandy Simón (7).
The top scorer of the match, however, was the young Colombian Miguel Ángel Martínez “Amaranto,” who stands 202 centimeters tall and finished with 18 points, being the only player on his team to reach double digits.
Group D balance
With this success, Cuba left its record at 1-1, following the surprising initial defeat against Portugal (1-3). The next match will be this Wednesday against the United States, which remains undefeated after sweeping Colombia and will face the Portuguese in a key matchup.
The 2025 edition is the first with 32 participating teams, divided into eight groups. Cuba shares Group D with Portugal, the United States, and Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Victory in the 2025 Volleyball World Cup
How did Cuba achieve its first victory in the 2025 Volleyball World Cup?
Cuba achieved its first victory in the 2025 Volleyball World Cup by defeating Colombia in straight sets with scores of 25-22, 25-21, and 25-20. The Cuban team demonstrated superiority in both attack and blocking, thus securing their win.
Who were the standout players from Cuba in the match against Colombia?
In the victory against Colombia, Osniel Mergarejo was Cuba's standout player, contributing 14 points. Other key players included José Massó with 12 points, Marlon Yant with 11 points, and veterans Javier Concepción and Roberlandy Simón, each with 7 points.
What is Cuba's next challenge in the 2025 Volleyball World Cup?
Cuba's next challenge will be facing the United States, a team that remains undefeated after defeating Colombia. This match will be crucial for Cuba's aspirations in the tournament.
How has Cuba performed in recent volleyball tournaments?
Cuba has had a remarkable performance in recent tournaments. In the 2025 Nations League, Cuba achieved a historic advancement to the final after defeating teams like Poland and benefiting from a combination of favorable results. Marlon Yant has been a key figure in these achievements, leading the Cuban attack.
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