Russia defeated a young and inexperienced Cuban team 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-16) to win the World League bronze medal at Belgrade Arena on Sunday. Russia took advantage of a nervous start by Cuba, taking a quick 5-2 lead and maintaining the advantage until the first technical timeout (8-4). Cuba head coach Orlando Samuels called for a timeout in an attempt to stabilize his team but were unable to reduce the gap and entered the second TTO down 16-10. Russia continued to add to their advantage and won the set by 12 points. The Cubans found their rhythm in the second set and took a 5-2 difference. By the first TTO, Cuba enjoyed a 2-point advantage. Russia stayed close and leveled the score at 9-9.

The teams continued playing point by point until 14- 14, when Russia scored 2 points in a row for a 16-14 lead. The teams traded points and after four successful blocks in a single rally, Cuba retook the lead, 23-22, but Russia scored the set. In the third set Cuba led at the first TTO. The game continued point by point until 11-11, when Daniele Bagnoli's boys took a 2-point advantage. By the second TTO, Russia was still ahead 16-13. The Cubans unsuccessfully tried to get back in the match and Russia won the third set to secure the bronze medal. Russian captain Sergey Tetyukhin was pleased with the final result: "We showed team spirit, we found our game and strength after yesterday's defeat to Brazil," he said. "We played very well. It is not easy when you are beaten in the semifinals."

Source: Volleyball.it