Cuba in the final of Men’s Challenger Cup

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia - July 6, 2019 – Cuba and Slovenia will clash in the final of the 2019 FIVB Men’s Challenger Cup in Ljubljana after defeating Turkey and Belarus, respectively. The winner will grab the one and only available spot in the 2020 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, replacing relegated Portugal.

The first semifinal between Cuba and Turkey turned out to be a nail-biting five-setter. Cuba celebrated a 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 20-25, 15-12) victory. Both teams spared no effort in every element.

The encounter between Cuba and Turkey was also a battle of players – Jesus Herrera Jamie was the top scorer of the match with 26 points (22 in attack); on other side of the net Adis Lagumdzija got 20.

The hosts Slovenia after losing the first set found their way to the final, eventually beating Belarus 3-1 (21-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-18).

Pavel Kuklinski was the top scorer of the match with 20 points to his name (18 from attack).