2006 Men’s World Championship – Costa Rica
Costa Rica on verge of advancing, Honduras and Guatemala close behind (FIVB)
05/21/2005
San Jose, Costa Rica, May 21, 2005 - Hosts Costa Rica moved closer to a second phase ticket at the 2006 Men’s World Championship first round tournament - Norceca Pool C in San Jose on Saturday following a quick fire straight sets win (25-19, 25-19, 25-19) over a youthful Nicaragua side, while Guatemala jumped back into contention for one of the two second-round tickets on offer with a four set triumph over Honduras 25-16, 24-26, 25-20, 25-20.

Costa Rica, who started this tournament as favourites, had to battle through close to three hours and five sets for their first victory on Friday but dominated Nicaragua today with their defence, especially the performance of libero Alvaro Cascante, being instrumental in the victory, Costa Rica’s second in as many matches.
Pic: Darnley Edwards attacks for Costa Rica
Coach Alberto Travieso used all his players and the experience of the local team combined with the support of the home crowd was more than enough to affect the concentration of the Nicaraguans who fell to their second defeat and out of contention for the second round.

“We could establish our fast game and took advantage of their mistakes,” Costa Rica captain Alexander Villegas said. “We only need to win tomorrow and we have to take advantage of the injury problems of the Honduras team.”

Reynaldo Cerda, coach of Nicaragua, said; “Although we did not make the second round we are going to come out to play with enthusiasm from now on because we know our team is one with a good future.”

Meanwhile, after losing to Costa Rica on the opening day, Guatemala kept alive their second round chances with victory over Honduras. Both teams now have a 1-1 record with Guatemala needing to beat Nicaragua while Honduras aims to upset Costa Rica on Sunday.

“It was another match of high intensity and that is what we showed today and every time we go out there,” Guatemala captain and man of the match Hugo Garcia said. “Now we have to concentrate on Nicaragua, because if we don’t win tomorrow this win means nothing.”

“We had to change our system due to the injuries and we lost the offence of Felix Sabio playing him as middle blocker,” Honduras coach Rony Martinez said. “The Guatemalans played great and you saw the outcome.”

“It was a well fought match, but it is in the past now,” Honduras captain Sabio said. “We have to focus on winning tomorrow to have the option of advancing to the next phase.”

Sunday sees Nicaragua play Guatemala at 17.00 (local time) and Costa Rica play Honduras at 19.00.
(Released by FIVB)