Samuel Cordova, Carlos Guerra and Jorge Quiñonez celebrate Mexico's win over Chile
Mexico City, Mexico, June 4, 2016 - Mexico’s intentions of winning the last ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games took a big step forward after defeating Chile 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-22) at the Men’s World Olympic Tournament being held at Gimnasio Olimpico Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City.
The crowd roared with Carlos Guerra’s performance as the top scorer of the match with 22 points on 18 kills and 4 aces, joined by Daniel Vargas and Samuel Cordova with 11 points apiece and Jorge Barajas with 10 points in Mexico’s second victory in the event. On Chile’s side, scoring double figures was Vicente Parraguirre with 15 points, all in attacks, Tomas Parraguirre with 13 points , Simon Guerra with 12 and Dusan Bonacic with 11 points.
The hosts Mexico subdued Latin American rivals Chile prevailing in every skill. Mexico held a 60-52 advantage in attacks, 9-4 in blocking and 4-2 in aces. Chile benefited from 32 Mexican errors of while limiting their own to 24.
The match started off with a great display from both sides, but Chile reached the first technical time-out on top 8-6. Jorge Barajas was on fire, smashing the ball and keeping the score very tight. On Chile’s side, Vicente Parraguirre was unstoppable as his team’s performance remained well coordinated leading 17-14. Tomas Aguilera joined forces pushing strong, but Chile won the first set not after failing a set point with a bad serve and finishing up 25-22 with a power-bomb of Dusan Bonacic smacking Mexico’s block.
Carlos Guerra and Samuel Cordova jumped into the fight as Mexico jumped into an early 4-1 lead in the second set. Chile fought strongly to get back on track and close the gap with Dusan Bonacic particularly efficient offensively over the net, but Mexico remained ahead 9-7. Chile continued to eat away at Mexico's lead and tied the score 12-12. Simon Guerra put Chile on top scoring two points in a row 14-12. It was a strong duel and not an easy task to remain on top, while it was Mexico who took a two point lead 20-18. Gonzalo Ruiz joined forces with Mexico’s offence keeping his team alive before Mexico won the set 25-20 for a 1-1 score.
In the third set, points went back and forth. Chile and Mexico showed strength in every skill while remaining very close. Mexico finally jumped to a comfortable 18-14 lead thru a combination of positive spikes and errors from Chile. Mexico had two errors in defence before winning the set 25-22 with a missed serve by Chile.
Mexico's Daniel Vargas (left) and Samuel Cordova attempt to block Chile's Vicente Parraguirre
The thrill continued with Carlos Guerra on Mexico’s side and Vicente Parraguirre on Chile’s side. Mexico benefited from blocking errors by their opponents and reached a 14-11 advantage. Both teams defence performed well as the crowd remained never stopped cheering. Mexico edged Chile with two aces by Carlos Guerra into the 23-19 lead. Chile wasn’t defeated yet as Mexico failed to convert three consecutive match points before finally clinching the match 25-22 in the fourth set.
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