Mexico got the needed 3-0 against Guatemala

PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, November 12, 2017 - Mexico beat Guatemala in straight sets 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-22), but will not know if that is enough for a World Championship ticket until the end of the decisive clash Puerto Rico-Cuba, which closes the NORCECA Group B Tournament, the last qualifier for the FIVB Men's World Championship 2018.

However the Mexicans are in a favorable position with 10 units, like Puerto Rico and a point ratio of 1.052 (204-194), which forces the host team to o sweep the Puerto Ricans to force a three-way tie.

Playing at November 10th Hall, the winners Daniel Vargas (18) and Jorge Barajas (11) stood out, although the top scorer of the match was Andy A. Leonardo Blanco (21), the most productive player in Guatemala in the three contests.

The Guatemalans returned to the field inspired by their goal which is the Central American Games in December and fought hard even took advantage in attack (36-35), but the Mexicans finally imposed their block (11-3), the aggressive service (10-5) and their bigger experience.

Jorge Miguel Azair, technical director of Mexico, pointed out that "we knew it would be a very stressful game, Guatemala had nothing to lose, they were going to play and tried to spoil the party, but my boys, concentrated, knew how to handle the game and got out of the potholes, especially in the third set we made more mistakes."

"The important thing is that they showed their character and I'm proud of them regardless of what happens in the Cuba-Puerto Rico match, well what to tell you of yesterday's historic victory, I do not remember when the hosts had lost to our national team, at least never in their own backyard," he said.

Pedro Rangel, captain of the winners, confessed that it was logical that against the Guatemalans it was complicated "because they had nothing to lose, in the end we slowed down and they went for all. Despite the loss against Puerto Rico that marked us I think that we did a good tournament."

The coach of Guatemala, Reider L. Mora, said that "we started uncoordinated, we were catching the pace and improving until the third when my players did what they know and it was a more leveled and nice set. I am happy with the performance of our side against powers like Cuba, Puerto Rico and today Mexico."

His captain Gerardo Gonzalez said he was happy that "it was a good game for the two teams, the rivals came strong after the victory over Cuba last night, but we could fix our game and give a battle. But the serve of them was far superior to our reception and we could not close, but we are happy with the results in the event.”