2006 Women’s World Championships - Guatemala
Mexico only unbeaten team after beating Guatemala (FIVB)
05/13/2005
Guatemala City, Guatemala, May 13, 2005 – World number 28 Mexico left no doubt as to who are the favourites at the 2006 Women’s World Championship first round tournament – Norceca Pool C on Friday after an exceptional 3-1 (25-27, 25-14, 25-13, 25-16) win over Guatemala. Despite suffering their first defeat, the hosts are still on top of the five-team table having played one more game than Mexico, who now have two victories from as many games. In the other match on day three, Nicaragua kept their second round hopes alive by collecting their first victory, beating bottom of the table Panama in straight sets 25-18, 25-14, 25-14. Honduras received the bye.

Although initially surprising themselves by their lacklustre play early on, which cost them the first set, Mexico soon got into rhythm and marched to win number two, after they had beaten Nicaragua 3-0 (25-19, 25-10, 25-21) on the opening day, much to the disappointment of the vocal local crowd whose hopes had considerably risen following the first set shock.

Meanwhile, Nicaragua’s win moved them to third on the table with one win from three matches.

With the top two teams advancing to the second round, the weekend promises to be an exciting affair with all five teams still in contention. Mexico are the only unbeaten side while Guatemala and Honduras have only suffered one defeat.

Even Nicaragua and Panama, who have both suffered two defeats, are still in contention for a second round ticket, but with Panama, who have only won one set all tournament, due to play Mexico and Guatemala over the weekend, the two top-of-the-table teams are expected to remain there.

Day four of the 2006 Women’s World Championship first round tournament - Norceca Pool C sees Mexico take on Panama at 18:00 (local time) followed by Honduras playing Nicaragua at 20:00. Guatemala have the bye.
(Released by FIVB)