USA and Cuba among the twelve finalists in Italia 2010

Rome, Italy, October 3, 2010 – Teams of USA and Cuba, representing NORCECA Confederation at the 2010 FIVB Men’s World Championship, are still in competition among the top twelve finalists.

The Americans compete in Pool O in Rome against France and hosts Italy while the Cubans are part of Pool Q in Florence where they will battle against the sides of Bulgaria and Spain.

In Pool R, also in the Italian capital, will clash the teams of Czech Republic, Germany and Brazil and the squads of Serbia, Argentina and Russia will square off in Pool P in Florence.

The four pool’ winners will converge in Rome for the semifinal round while the second and third place teams then will compete for the 5-8 and 9-12 positions respectively, in the cities of Modena and Florence.

Five teams from NORCECA started competing in the event with Canada being eliminated in the first round of Pool F by points-ratio, and Mexico and Puerto Rico outlasted during the second round in Pool G and H respectively.

During the first round in Modena, Puerto Rico scored victories over Cameroon (3-0) and Australia (3-1) before losing to number 2 world-ranked Russia in five sets.

Mexico advanced to the second round following a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in Reggio Calabria after losing battles against USA (3-2) and Argentina (3-1).

In Pool F in Trieste, Canada lost 3-0 to Poland, won 3-1 over Serbia and was defeated 3-0 by Germany.  

In Pool G at Catania, Puerto Rico lost 3-0 to Germany and 3-1 to Italy while Mexico lost 3-0 against Cuba and Serbia in Pool H at Milano.

In Monday’s action, USA Team play against France while Cuba rest before playing in consecutive days. The Americans will meet hosts Italy on Tuesday.