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• Caribbean
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• Sports
• 06 / 09 / 2009

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The World Volleyball League celebrates its 20th anniversary this week and begins another championship with the customary format of four groups of four teams.

Traditional favourites Brazil and Italy are present along with new comers the United States. Of course Cuba, who has taken part in 18 seasons, is present along with the persistent team from Holland.

Cuba’s chances this year of making it to Belgrade are pretty slim, going up against tough teams in group C including Russia and Bulgaria, third and fifth at Beijing 2008. Japan is the fourth team in their group.

Russia dominated its four matches with Cuba last year and has basically the same squad that won the bronze medal in Beijing. There line-up includes: Maxim Mikhaylov, Sergey Grankin, Alexander Volkov, Alexey Kuleshov, Alexey Verbov and captain Sergey Tetyukhin. The only changes have been in the technical ranks with Coach Vladimir Alekno taking over from Italian Daniele Bagnoli.

The Bulgarians are also very solid with experienced and dangerous players such as Kaziyski, Zhekov, Tsvetanov, Nikolov, Salparov and captain Plamen Konstantinov..

The Cuban men’s volleyball team, more than anything, has lacked stability in its line-up and consistency from its top players. Coach Orlando Samuels faces the great challenge of trying to come up with a team that can compete at the top level with several inexperience players in his rank.

Roberlandy Simón is once again the key piece to this team even though he is relatively inexperienced and needs to improve on his receiving and passing. In attacking, he is second to none on the Cuban squad and is able to come through when needed.

Interesting is the presence of youngsters on this year’s squad such as 16-year-old Wilfredo León, passer Yoandri Díaz and attacker Michael Sánchez.

To their advantage, Cuba has one of the best home team crowds and is guaranteed to put on a good show at home in front of either the Russians or Bulgarians. Whatever happens, we will enjoy this new beginning of the Cuban team with all eyes on building up a solid squad to travel to London 2012.

(PL)