Poland celebrate their tough 3-1 win over Argentina in the first round of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup at Hamamatsu Arena on Thursday
Kurek had 19 kills, three blocks and a service ace, then Kubiak contributed 17 more points for Poland. Facundo Conte scored 19 markers on a losing effort for Argentina.
Poland led against Argentina in the first set as the European frontline of Piotr Nowakowski, Michal Kubiak and Kurek completely overwhelmed them from the attack and service lines to come up with a 25-18 victory. Poland’s three service aces all came from Nowakowski, who notched six points in the opening set. Argentina came up with an enhanced performance when Facundo Conte’s attack game flourished, and when setter Luciano De Cecco also got involved in scoring, that kept the South Americans in front 12-7 in the second set. Even though Kurek sparked a late run, the Argentines raced to clinch the set 25-19.
Argentina carried their momentum to the next set but the Polish side hustled and tied the score at 12-all. The Polish attackers then struck hard in the succeeding plays that stressed the Argentine defence until the end of the third set 25-22. In the fourth set Poland led 8-4 but Argentina clawed back to level the score at 15-all. Luciano Zornetta’s cross-court attack gave Argentina the lead 18-17. After a series of deadlocks and lead changes, Poland reigned to end the match 27-25.