Russia made back-to-back wins after they stunned Argentina 3-1 in the first round of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup at Hamamatsu Arena on Saturday
Mikhaylov led Russian scorers with 19 points, including 15 kills, one block and three service aces. Dmitriy Muserskiy contributed 16 more points for Russia. The opposing side was led by Facundo Conte, who finished with 27 markers.
Argentina gained a slim edge in the first set with good combination plays but Russia were quick to react and used their powerful spikes to retaliate and snatch the lead at the second technical timeout 16-14. Russia’s offence became more active as their hitters converted their attempts from both wings that stretched the lead to 24-19, then Ilia Vlasov completed it with an ace 25-19. Conte’s superb act in the second set helped Argentina to build a substantial lead. Argentina led as much nine points at 18-9 but the Russians would not let them take the set easily as they sparked another run that trimmed the Argentine lead to 21-17. The South Americans somehow escaped the strong Russian challenge at the end of the set 25-21.
Russia regrouped and dominated in the third set with Mikhaylov and Muserskiy in the forefront of their offence. The Russians likewise manned the net well that left the Argentine attackers helpless at the end of the third set 25-18. In the fourth set, Conte’s numbers increased but his Russian rivals Muserskiy and Mikhaylov were still in control as they blasted wing spikes that maintained a comfortable gap. Mikhaylov’s off-the-block spike clinched the fourth set for Russia 25-15.