Volleyball Nations League: Cuba Returns to the Finals

The current Cuban men’s volleyball team has made history by qualifying for the final round of the Volleyball Nations League for the first time since the format replaced the now-defunct World League tournaments.

Like many fans, I was disappointed by the loss to China on the final day of the preliminary round, which meant Cuba’s advancement no longer depended solely on its own results. Fortunately, Iran swept Bulgaria, allowing Cuba to secure a place in the finals.

Still, I prefer to see the glass as half full. In truth, Cuba’s qualification had already been earned through its remarkable performances against several of the world’s top teams.

That said, I continue to believe this team requires stronger psychological support. It is difficult to understand how they can defeat elite squads yet fall to opponents with significantly lower rankings. The motivation and drive they show against top-tier teams contrasts sharply with the pressure and insecurity they display against less formidable opponents.

To put things in perspective, Brazil lost only one match throughout the entire League, and that was against Cuba. This achievement is not to be understated, just as the four-set victory over Poland—considered by many the best team in the world—is worthy of recognition.

I am confident that one of those two teams will take the title, as they are on track to meet in the semifinals. We should be proud to have defeated both.

At the most difficult moments—when the team arrived late for the second week of play, and when it lost its starting libero (ranked third in both receiving and defense)—the team delivered its strongest performances, something that is far from typical.

This makes the occasional underwhelming showings against weaker squads all the more frustrating, particularly when there is a lack of leadership in critical moments. Fortunately, for the final phase, middle blocker Robertlandy Simón rejoined the lineup. Although he is not officially the captain, he clearly assumes a leadership role. Nonetheless, this highlights the need for individualized psychological analysis and support.

In addition to Yonder García and his replacement Bryan Camino—who performed admirably—several other players deserve special mention. Marlon Yant emerged as the team’s star, finishing as the League’s top scorer with 237 points, first in overall efficiency, and sixth in serving. José Israel Massó ranked eighth in attack and ninth in service, while middle blocker Javier Concepción placed fourth in blocking.

Quietly, setter Julio Alberto Gómez finished seventh among players in his position. The setter is widely considered key to a team’s return to elite status, and it is hopeful that Cuba may have found the right player for that role.

For the upcoming final stage, set to take place later this month in Ningbo, People’s Republic of China, Cuba is set to face Italy, a familiar opponent that denied them a breakthrough in the last World Championship.

But that is a discussion for another time. For now, this result deserves to be celebrated, as the team led by head coach Jesús Cruz has unquestionably done a remarkable job.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translated Staff