NAGANO, Japan, November 19, 2006.- The USA Team got its first victory at the FIVB Men’s World Championships on Sunday as it defeated the Czech Republic, 3-1 (25-16, 15-25, 25-20, 25-23).

Team USA, ranked fifth in the world, improved its record to 1-2 and raised its chances of qualifying in Pool C. Only the top four teams from each pool advance to the next round.

Dave McKienzie and Jim Polster led the USA charge with 15 points apiece, and Reid Priddy added 14.

"We are happy to finally win a match, but our approach to the next match does not change,” said Hugh McCutcheon, the American coach. “We still have to keep on improving and we have a lot of work to do before the next games. We can only be happy for five minutes."

In Fukuoka, the real Cuba finally stood up to be counted on Sunday as they destroyed a surprisingly flat Australian side 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-20) for their first Pool B win in three matches.

 

Raydel Corrales led Cuba with 15 points, Odelvys Dominico added 13 and Michael Sanchez and Pavel Pimienta had 10 points apiece.

 

"It was like a different team today, our strategy worked and blocking and service was very good,” said Roberto Garcia, the Cuban coach.

 

In Saitama, Puerto Rico lost to Japan 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 36-34) in a gripping encounter of Pool A. The home team improved its record to 2-1 and Puerto Rico dropped to 1-2.

Hector Soto was the best for Puerto Rico with 30 points, Victor Rivera and Jose Rivera added 19 and 18 respectively and Luis Rodriguez finished with 12 points. 

In Pool D at Sendai, Russia defeated Canada in three sets (25-19, 25-20, 25-21). The third-ranked Russians, six-time world champions improved to 2-1 and the Canucks suffered their first reverse. 

Paul Duerden and Fred Winters were the best scorers for Canada with 15 and 13 points respectively. 

There are no matches scheduled on Monday with the action in all four pools resuming on Tuesday.