Monday, October 30th.- In a very close and unpredictable match, Cuba defeated Mexico 3-2, starting their performance in men's volleyball at Santiago 2023 Pan American Games with a smile. In front of about five thousand spectators at the Arena Parque O'Higgins, the Caribbean team saved three match points in the fourth set and eventually secured a hard-fought victory in nearly two hours of play. 


In the first set, the islanders capitalized on the Mexican service errors and pulled ahead towards the end, winning 25-20. The second set was claimed by the North Americans, as they staged a comeback (26-24), and in the third set, they confirmed their improvement with a convincing 25-19 win. Luis Hernández in the offensive and Hiram Bravo's speed left no room for mistakes. 


The fourth set had the Arena Parque O'Higgins crowd on the edge of their seats. Mexico had two match points, but Cuba grew more aggressive when it mattered most, especially with Miguel Gutiérrez and Miguel Ángel López Castro, to save the set. The Caribbean team, the crowd's favorites, entered the fifth set with renewed determination. 


Jakdiel Contreras entered at a crucial moment to make a difference in the air and put Cuba in a winning position in the decisive set. This was the moment when Adrián Chirino came in with an ace that gave Cuba four match points. And they didn't let up like Mexico: López Castro's palm once again overcame Mexican resistance and secured the victory for the Caribbean team. 


The next round, on Tuesday at the Arena Parque O'Higgins, features matches between Cuba and Colombia at 10:30 a.m., followed by Brazil against Mexico at 1:30 p.m., a challenge that Hiram Bravo is not shying away from. 


"I'm hurt by the loss, but we have to accept the responsibility and keep working. We played a good match, and these are things that can be fixed. We're just getting started, and I want them to realize all that we can do. Don't underestimate us as a small team. I don't care who we face; I want to defeat anyone in front of me," expressed the Mexican libero. 


The winner of Group A will advance directly to the semi-finals, while those who finish second and third will compete in the quarter-finals against the teams from Group B for a spot in the final four. 




Written by Manfred Schwager y Nicolás Olea; translated by Andrés Castro / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Ph: Javier Valdés / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport