Conte, Lima lead Argentina to knockout volleyball win over US in Tokyo

Tokyo, Aug 1 (EFE).- The Argentine national men’s volleyball team defeated the US team 3-0 on Sunday in a hard-fought match at the Tokyo Olympics, thus moving into the quarterfinals.

Marcelo Mendez’s squad eked out wins in all three sets in the Ariake Arena by scores of 25-21 (28 m.), 25-23 and 25-23 (36 m.), thus ending up in third place in Group B, behind Russia and Brazil.

Argentina took the reins in all three sets, running away with the first set, but having a more difficult time against the Americans in the second set, having to wait until the final two points to clinch the win thanks to a block by Martin Ramon.

Bruno Lima opened the scoring in the third set, in which Argentina again dominated, although the US managed to take the lead briefly midway through the action. However, the Argentines fought back, recovering their equilibrium and ultimately downing their rivals in a heart-stopping finish to knock the US squad out of the tourney.

Facundo Conte, with 16 points, and Lima with 13, were the top scorers for the Argentines, who despite two defeats at the start of group play never surrendered.

Now, the Argentine squad will face off against either Italy or Japan in the quarterfinals.