Mexico won Men´s volleyball Pan America Cup 2007 in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic). In the final match Mexico defeated Puerto Rico 3:1. Puerto Rico, Mexico and Cuba secured spots in the Americas Cup next year in Brazil.
The Mexicans defeated Panama in the quarterfinals, and then beat Cuba in semi finals. Their only loss was against the Puerto Ricans in their opening match. Mexico showed great blocking ability and combined powerful attacks with subtle touches against a Puerto Rican squad who battled with tenacity.
“We had some problems with our concentration in the third set but then we put things together after the first technical time-out of the fourth set,” said Carlos Novoa, the Mexican coach. “We came here looking to qualify for the Americas Cup and now we go back to Mexico with the gold medal. You can not ask for more.”
Cuba won the bronze medal by 3:1 victory over Canada. As the third place team of this competition, Cuba qualified along with Puerto Rico and Mexico to the 2008 Americas Cup in Brazil.
“I think Canada was the best team of this competition in terms of technical level but they lacked the physical preparation,” said Juan Gala, the Cuban coach. “We studied them very well and came prepared to win by own merit, and not by invitation, our spot in the Americas Cup”.
from Norceca
