In an electrifying start to the Volleyball Nations League 2024 Pool 2, Cuba stunned Brazil in front of a packed Maracanãzinho stadium, defeating the hosts 3-1 (25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-21). Despite the return of legendary coach ‘Bernardinho’ Rezende and nearly 10,000 Brazilian fans, Cuba’s well-rounded offense secured the win, boosting their Olympic qualifying hopes. The victory propelled Cuba from 11th to 10th in the FIVB World Rankings.
Key players for Cuba included Marlon Yant (18 points), Miguel Ángel López (15), Michael Sánchez (14), Javier Concepcion (13), and Robertlandy Simón (12). Brazil, despite the upset, remains in fifth place.
In another match, last year’s bronze medalists Japan overcame Tokyo Olympic bronze medalists Argentina 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-23, 25-19) in Rio de Janeiro. Yuji Nishida led Japan with 24 points, supported by Kai Masato’s 17 points. For Argentina, Bruno Lima and Luciano Palonsky each scored 16 points.
