Mexicans Daniel Vargas (left) and Jesus Rangel exciting celebration
Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2016- Mexico opened the World Olympic Qualifier with an exciting straight set victory 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-21) over Algeria at Gimnasio Olimpico Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City.
Mexico’s 14-9 advantage in blocking was crucial for their victorious opening day. The hosts had in Carlos Guerra and Daniel Vargas their best weapons scoring 16 and 15 points respectively. Soufiane Hosni was Algeria’s best scorer with 10 points. Mexico prevailed with 36-29 advantage in spikes and 2-0 in aces.
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Actions in set one were very close. Mexico held a small advantage but Algeria tied the 14 all thru three consecutive blocks. Mexico scored on several spiking errors from Algeria and Carlos Guerra’s back row attacks, winning set one 25-21.
In set two, Daniel Vargas and Carlos Guerra continued to smack the ball hard, while Algeria’s defence responded well, but the advantage was for the home team 8-6. Mexico scored again on opponents’ errors, keeping a comfortable 11-7 advantage and Algeria under control. Mexico finished on top 25-16.
Mexico continued dominating with effective blocking, preventing Algeria from scoring. But the match was not yet ended as Algeria’s Bouyoucef Sofiane got into a better rhythm to reduce Mexico’s advantage 16-13. The African team also improved in blocking to tie 18 all and making the home team work harder.