Russia captain Ilya Kazachenkov breaks through the block of Argentina's Wilson Acosta, as the Europen sides sails through to the final of the 2019 Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis.
Tunis, Tunisia, August 29, 2019 - Russia totally dominated Argentina 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 27-25) in the semifinals of the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship here on Thursday afternoon for a ticket to Friday's final where they'll meet the winner of the second semifinal between Italy and Egypt.
The win keeps Russia undefeated after seven match so far in the competition.
With lightning speed Russia sped off to a 4-0 lead in the first set, immediately setting the pace and establishing beyond any doubt who the boss was in this match.
Playing under the watchful eye of legendary Argentina coach
Julio Velasco who arrived in Tunis to follow the South American in their semifinal and medals matches efforts, the South Americans did get back in the game, but only briefly. Russian serving, which has been the European side's strong point during the whole tournament, again pitched in every time Argentina threatened to get close.
The South Americans never managed to venture beyond the teens in the second set, but did come from behind in the third with back-to-back aces by Wilson Acosta that brought them ahead by a point at the seocnd Technical Timeout.
Russia regained control with a 3-0 run, but Argentina remained in touch and even cancelled two Russian match points before, at 25-25, Armoa Morel served long and Anton Anoshko blocked Tomas Capogrosso to take Russia to the final.
Top scorer of Russia Roman Murashko celebrates as he leads his side to the final of the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis with a sweep of Argentina in the semifinals.Roman Murashko once again was the driving force of the Russians, hauling in 21 points and delivering four of his team's nine aces, while Acosta was Argentina's top scorer with 12 points.
Silver medallists last time around in 2017 (when they lost in the final to Iran in Bahrain), Russia (including as Soviet Union) are now aiming for their fourth gold in the history of youth World Championships after their successes in 1999, 2005, and 2013. Overall it will be their seventh appearance in a final.
Argentina can only go for bronze now on Friday - and if they get it it will be their third medal in the history of the competion after bronze in 2009 and silver in 2015. The South Americans have been in the top four of a youth World Championship five times (including this year).
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