Hiroshima, Japan, September 13, 2015 –
USA picked up win number five to keep their title hopes alive at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup Japan 2015, putting Egypt to the sword in a speedy straight sets (25-20, 25-13, 25-21) victory in Hiroshima on Sunday.
Once again, the US spread their attack well with Taylor Sander top scoring on 14 points. For Egypt, it was a tough encounter following their lengthy five-set match against Australia just over 24 hours ago.
USA enjoyed some early blocks to take an early lead. Ahmed Elkotb, sporting a new haircut, scored a quick spike to bring things level again at 4-4 before they took the lead 8-6 at the first technical timeout after a US error. The Americans turned it around as they began to deal with Ahmed Abdellatif, who they had not expected to start, and took a commanding 18-13 on an Egyptian communication error. The African champions did string together a run of points to narrow the gap but a long Badawy Moneim serve gifted them the set.
The United States started the second in good rhythm, the FIVB Volleyball World League 2015 bronze medallist storming to an 8-3 lead. The world No.5’s block was working seamlessly and a storming Matt Anderson ace serve on 20-12 forced an Egyptian timeout. But the US onslaught did not stop and the impact of Egypt’s marathon five-set match against Australia, the longest of the tournament so far, was taking its toll as the set concluded on 25-13.
Egypt looked a little better in the third, siding out consistently to stay within a point of USA. However the Americans never looked worried, with that confidence coming to fruition as they moved ahead to 19-16 on a lucky Aaron Russell ace. From there it was easy for the current leaders at the World Cup as the match concluded with a serve error from Egypt.
