The Indian team was thrashed 14-25, 21-25, 17-25 by second ranked Argentina in a one hour and 13 minutes battle.
Naveen Raja Jacob, who is the only one to reach the double figure mark scoring 11 points marked India’s dismal performance.
“Argentina served very well and their blocking was very effective. They played a fast game and our blocks could not match their speed,” India coach MH Kumara said at the post-match press conference.
“However, our focus will be on tomorrow’s match and I am confident that our boys will overcome today’s loss,” he added.
India will face Belgium in a do-or-die match tomorrow to qualify for the semifinals. Belgium had defeated Argentina 3-2 yesterday.
In the other second round match, Defending Champions Brazil crushed top ranked Iran in straight sets 3–0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18). Brazil thus have earned a spot in the semifinals along with Pool F topper Cuba, who also have 2-0 record after defeating USA earlier on Wednesday. Iran, like USA are in danger of not advancing to the semifinal round.
In the 9-16 classification matches Poland blanked out Egypt in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 23-25 and 25-21).
On Tuesday, Indian spikers fired in unison but survived some anxious moments before pipping Russia 3-2 in their opening match in the second round.
Gurinder Singh and MN Raja Jacob led the Indian attack commendably during the tooth-and-nail battle that lasted over two hours.
The hosts started the Pool E match on a positive note by winning the opening game 25-22, but Russia soon leveled the score as they bagged the second game 28-26.
The Indians again surged ahead winning the third game 33-31, but Russia clawed their way back into the match by snatching a 25-22 victory in the fourth stage.
However, held their nerves to win the decisive game 15-11 to wrap up the affair.
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