Cuba kept its hopes alive in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship with a crucial 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 sweep of Colombia on Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The World No.11 Cubans improved their record to 1-1, earning three points to sit in solo third place in Pool D. They trail 1-0 teams USA and Portugal, who will face each other later in the day at 9:00 PM. (Manila time).
“It was a very important victory. It’s crucial to keep our aspirations of advancing to the next round,” said Cuba head coach Jesus Angel Cruz after the 91-minute win.
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While most scoring categories were closely contested, Cuba gained a significant advantage in attacks, finishing with 43 points to Colombia’s 31.
Setter Christian Thondike efficiently orchestrated Cuba’s offense, posting a 43.86-percent setting efficiency and enabling five players to score at least seven points each.
Outside spiker Osniel Mergarejo led the team with 14 points, including a highly efficient 12-of-16 in attacks, followed by Jose Masso with 12 points.
Marlon Yant added 10 points, while middle blockers Javier Concepcion and Robertlandy Simon contributed seven apiece.
Cuba now turns its attention to World No.5 USA, a do-or-die clash scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 PM.
For Mergarejo, the win over Colombia provides a confidence boost ahead of that crucial match.
“Today was a good game. We’re happy to get the win. Colombia is a strong team, and this victory will help us mentally prepare for our next game against the USA,” he said.
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Colombia, meanwhile, relied heavily on Miguel Angel Amaranto, who scored 18 points, while the next highest scorer, Andres Piza, managed just six.
The World No.42 Colombians, already eliminated from contention, will finish their Pool D campaign on Wednesday against No. 24 Portugal.
