I walk around the neighborhood and listen to the comments of those “sick” to sports. I read favorable opinions of the Cuba volleyball team in the Nations League on social media. Most recognize the boys, despite not qualifying for Paris-2024.
We perceive the satisfaction among the fans, due to the combativeness and courage of the veteran Robertlandy Simón, together with the group of which he is an inspiration. An example of his commitment and authority was offered when he was the highest scorer of the 13 blocks against Slovenia, the leading rival in the three qualifying rounds.
The team played better than in its debut last year. Even with 39 errors, they defeated Brazil (3-1), world bronze medalist, in Rio de Janeiro, in the opening week of the League. They also beat Iran (3-1), Germany (3-1), and lost (3-2) to Japan. Except for the Iranians, three of the four qualified for the City of Light, proof that Cuba battles one-on-one with any of the teams at the top of the world.
They opened the second round, in Ottawa, third in the standings, behind Italy and Slovenia, with almost 18 points ahead of the Serbians. They fell to Canada, for the fourth consecutive time in recent years; Netherlands, and Italy, but mentor Jesús Cruz did not blame those setbacks on Simón’s absence, due to his back ailment, he cited other elements that failed as the cause. The soul returned to the body by beating France, Olympic champion, 3-2.
The (2-3) came in the matches against Serbia and Slovenia, with the victory over Bulgaria (3-0). And while in the defeat of the Serbs at the hands of the Poles, the world runners-up did not field all of their regulars, they did use them against Cuba, in a final in which the effort of Michael the “Russian” Sánchez stood out.
Losing to the best men of the best opponent honors, but also prides, the growth, in the tournament itself, of young people like passer Christian Thondique, skilled in the distribution of the game and effective in blocking; or the advance of blocker Javier Concepción, a giant of 2.02 meters and a high effectiveness of 63.58%, fifth in his position.
Marlon Yant, without asking for a truce, was fourth scorer and attacker (196-167 points), sixth in service (14), and the “flying Cuban”, Miguel Ángel López, captain, was sixth scorer (178), fifth in attack (154). Thondique finished fifth (233 successes in 729 attempts); Yonder García was better in defense than in reception, and although he must improve, he gave himself without limits.
When the people, with their sporting wisdom, recognize, it is time to feel comforted, even though it hurts a lot not to have achieved the goal of reaching Paris-2024.
