2006 Men’s World Championships – Argentina
Paraguay win to set up showdown with Argentina (FIVB)
05/07/2005
Mar del Plata, Argentina, May 7, 2005 – World number 33 Paraguay had to come from behind before beating a passionate Uruguay side, who do not hold an official world ranking, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19) on day two of the 2006 Men’s World Championship first round tournament (South America Pool A) in Mar del Plata on Saturday to set up a final day showdown with Argentina to see who advances to the final round.

With an automatic ticket to the final round in Japan being awarded to the winner of the tournament, Paraguay joined hosts Argentina, who beat Uruguay on the opening day of the tournament, at the top of the three-team table with one win apiece to turn Sunday’s final match between them into a so called “final”.

Despite the big difference in ranking, Paraguay found a different Uruguayan team to the one that lost to Argentina 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13) on Friday, but they eventually found their rhythm to collect the hard fought victory.

Paraguay started the match very erratically but thanks to some wise tactical decisions and improvement in concentration they managed to fight back and win the all important second and third sets by just two points before charging to the finish line in the fourth.

It was the Paraguayan block which ultimately put paid to the Uruguayan hopes that came with this tournament of gaining as much experience as possible, but the contest proved that World Championship Volleyball is fit and well right around the globe.

There was no better sight than to see the smiling faces of not just the players, but fans and officials as the curtain was brought down on Uruguay’s World Championship campaign, knowing they had participated with the elite at the elite level.

Now everyone waits for the big finale on Sunday, which is set to be a fascinating contest between the home side and Paraguay. The match starts at 18:00 (local time).
(Released by FIVB)