Samuels predicts a final between Cuba and Brazil

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 23, 2011 – Cuba’s Orlando Samuels predicted a final between his side and Brazil in the men’s volleyball tournament at the XVI Pan American Games which runs from October 24-29.

The Cuban squad that won the NORCECA Continental Championship last month in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico will attempt to win the sixth gold medal for the Caribbean country in the history of volleyball at the Pan Am Games.

“We hope to reach the finals against Brazil,” Samuels said. “That’s our idea but there are some other good teams here.”

The coaches of the eight teams taking part in the tournament commented about their goals and team’s characteristics after the conclusion of the general technical meeting held on Sunday night at the Sport Village.

Here follow the excerpts of the statements of the coaches:

Javier Weber (ARG): “We have a young team of players that are currently in our country with the oldest one with only 22 years-old. Our goal is to have a good performance and win a medal. The competition allows us to give minutes in court to those who haven’t had it.”

Rubinho Leonardo (BRA): “We have mix of young players and experienced players and we are here looking for a victory as always. The competition is going to be a tough one since there are a lot of good teams here.”

Vincent Pichette (CAN): “This is a fantastic opportunity for our young guys. For most of them this is their first major international experience. We had a training base in Saquarema, Brazil and here in Colima. Our pool is a tough one but we are ready for the challenge.”

Orlando Samuels (CUB): “We hope to reach the finals probably against Brazil. Our team is basically the one that won the NORCECA with some small changes. Our idea is to compete with Brazil for the gold medal but there are some other good teams here.”

Jorge Azair (MEX): We have a commitment and a responsibility with our country. We feel motivated to have a good performance and win one of the medals. Eighty percent of the team played in the World Championship and we did very well in that competition.”

Carlos Cardona (PUR): “We have Picky Soto back and we expect to win a medal. Cuba, Brazil and Argentina are strong candidates but the good thing is that we can have surprises. Puerto Rico and Mexico can produce surprises. The United States have a young team but they are always tough with low amount of errors. It will be a tournament of quality.”

John Speraw (USA): “Our hope is that this tournament can be a good learning experience for our young guys with a future in our national team. They are young but quite talented. We hope to get to a medal match and then see what happens.”

Gilberto Herrera (VEN): “We have a young team going throughout a building process. The base of the team comes from the Junior’s and Senior’s Pan American Cups. The group has been working as a team for one year and a half and this is a good experience for them.”