Thessaloniki, Greece, June 21, 2015 - Slovakia came back from a one-set deficit to beat Mexico 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-19) and ensure third place in Pool G of the FIVB World League.
The match started well for favourites Slovakia as they took an early lead at 9-5 and preserved it until the second technical time-out, at which they were 16-13 ahead. A great performance in attack from Martinez and Barajas allowed Mexico to catch up with the European side at 18-all. Three points in a row from Daniel Vargas put Mexico 23-20 up, while another one of his spikes finished the set, 25-22.
Mexico's good performance continued in the second set, in which they held a three-point advantage at both technical time-outs. At 19-16 for Mexico Slovakia picked up their game in all elements and an ace from Hornik tied the score at 20-all. Ruiz then saw his spike sail out and the next one blocked as Slovakia took a 23-21 lead. Kohut's spike through the middle gave Slovakia the set, 25-23.
Much like the first two sets, the third started with Mexico in front, 8-4. Once again, they were unable to preserve their advantage with Slovakia scoring five consecutive points to go 15-14 up. They controlled the situation from then on, maintaing their narrow lead to capture the set, 25-23. The fourth set was a quick affair with Slovakia's powerful triple block putting them 11-7 in front. Their good form in block continued as they extended their advantage to 14-8. More great triple blocks together with multiple errors made by Mexican players allowed Slovakia to quickly finish the fourth set, 25-19.
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