Men's Indoor - U.S. Romps, Canada Stuns Cuba

[thesnakeguy]

U.S. romps, Canada stuns Cuba in Olympic volleyball qualifier

The U.S. and Canada men’s volleyball teams both remained unbeaten in pool play Wednesday, advancing to Friday’s semifinals of the NORCECA Olympic qualifying tournament at Long Beach State. The U.S. knocked off Mexico, 25-23, 25-19, 25-14 as expected, but Canada stunned an uncharacteristically sloppy Cuba, ranked fifth in the world, winning in straight sets 25-21, 25-17, 25-21.

To keep its Olympic hopes alive, Cuba will have to beat Trinidad and Tobago in Thursday’s quarterfinals, likely setting up a meeting with the U.S. in the semifinals.


www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/sp-sn-la-us-romps-canada-stuns-cuba-in-olympic-volleyball-qualifier-20120509,0,3842113.story

[mikegarrison]

May 10, 2012 9:55:51 GMT -5 thesnakeguy said:

To keep its Olympic hopes alive, Cuba will have to beat Trinidad and Tobago in Thursday’s quarterfinals, likely setting up a meeting with the U.S. in the semifinals.

Isn't there some kind of last-chance qualifier available for them in case they don't qualify through this tournament?

[thesnakeguy]

Yes. I believe there are 2 spots for NORCECA teams in one of the three 4 team qualifiers right before the olympics. If Cuba doesn't make it, I think they are guaranteed to be invited to that tournament.

[floater]

Have watched the USA play 3 times. US was tested a bit last night against Mexico. Though they were swept first two games were close with some outstanding ups on both sides.

The ball moves very fast and decision making by the setter becomes very crucial as the information is processed so fast by the defense. To give your hitters a chance the setter needs to make the correct reads and put the ball on the button.

Great action and the game against Cuba, should be very exciting. Canada should be able to handle Mexico, hopefully setting up a game against the US for the bid.