Cuba defeated Egypt in
straight sets
 Havana,
Cuba, May 27, 2007 – Cuban national team delighted his cheering
crowd with a straight sets victory over Egypt, in their second
game of the 2007 World League on Saturday after they lost a set
in their first match on Friday.
With a certainly better performance, the home team laid on
Michael Sánchez’s attacks and defeated the fighting visitors
25-18, 25-22 and 25-19, at Havana’s Ciudad Deportiva Hall.
Sanchez, a.k.a “the Russian”, was the key player for the Cubans,
stabbing the rival’s defence with an astonishing array of
spikes, from both sides of the court. Almost unstoppable,
Sanchez took the best of his setter, and drove the blockers and
the crowd crazy.
Still victims of a shy receive and a poor serve, the Cubans took
an early lead and kept it almost all the first set. But the
Egyptians were no piece of cake, and handled the pressure very
well. Anyway, “The Russian” sealed the initial victory, while
Captain Pavel Pimienta yelled supportive from the bench.
Cuban starting line up was almost the same than yesterday: Oriel
Camejo, Roberlandy Simon, setter Yoandri Diaz, Odelvis Dominico,
Sánchez and Pedro Iznaga, who opened tonight instead of Rolando
Jurquín.
Egypt opened with Wael Al Aydy, Ashraf Abouel Hassan, Saleh
Fathy, Mohammed Badawy, Mohammed Elnafrawy and Mohamed Gabal,
whose attacks were applauded by members of the Egyptian embassy
in Havana, and a bunch of noisy and joyful students. They lost
starter Hossan Shaarawy, injured.
Visitors threatened again in the third set, like yesterday, but
tonight the history was different: Cuba got back and finally won
the set and the match.
Cuba faces Russia next week, here again, while Serbia receives
Egypt in Vrsac
|
