Chile’s hopes are still alive after defeating Algeria

Mexico City, Mexico, June 5, 2016- Chile defeated Algeria 3-1 (23-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-23) on Sunday and keeps their hopes still alive of winning the final berth for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

With a 2-1 win-loss record and six points, the South Americans will have to wait for the result between the hosts Mexico and Tunisia later in the day. Chile dominated Algeria with superior 13-9 blocking advantage and 6-2 in service points. 

Chile’s offence was led by a spectacular performance by Dusan Bonacic, scoring on a match-high of 29 points on 21 kills, 3 blocks and 5 impressive aces. Vicente Parraguirre joined the winning cause with 25 points on 24 kills and one block, and Tomas Parraguirre was the other double figure scorer with 12 points. Algeria’s topped with Akram Dekkiche and Islam Ould with 17 points apiece, Soufinae Hosni contributed with 15 points, Amine Oumessad with 12 points and Bouyoycef Sofiane with 10 points.

The first half of set one was dominated by Algeria. The African team took the lead 12-8 with powerful spikes by Akram Dekkiche and Islam Ould that were difficult to block. Matias Banda’s two consecutive blocks found the way to stop Algeria’s speed to reach 14 all. From there on the battle was even. Chile’s spikers managed to score more often, with Vicente Parraguirre charging strong against Algeria’s defence. Algeria won the first set 25-23 with a monster shot from Islam Ould. 

Chile opened the scoreboard and it was difficult for Algeria to catch-up with numerous receiving errors. Vicente Parraguirre continued with a spectacular performance to keep Chile’s huge advantage 15-9, accompanied by Dusan Bonacic strong spikes. Islam Ould never stopped battling and with impressive shots he kept Algeria’s offence going.  Chile tied the actions 1-1 winning set two 25-18.

In the third set, the score remained close, especially thru errors with both side struggling to jump ahead. Chile sustained a small advantage 11-9. Dusan Bonacic helped Chile move ahead 17-12 with two consecutive spikes and two consecutive aces. Chile closed 25-19 taking the lead. 

Algeria’s performance in the fourth set improved in blocking, preventing Chile’s firebombs get thru. The African team held advantage from the beginning with Chile struggling to take control of the actions once again.  Akram Dekkiche, Islam Ould and Soufiane Hosni pushed hard for a comfortable 16-13 advantage over Chile. The South American squad remained calm with Bonacic on one rotation and Vicente Parraguirre in the next. Actions got heated as the score was tied in numerous occasions before Chile sealed 3-1 by 25-23 score.