Argentina celebrate after winning the final of the South American FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup qualifier against Peru
Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina, June 8, 2015 - Argentina's women's team took on Peru to determine honours at the South American playoff for the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup Japan 2015 on Sunday, after both teams had qualified for the global event by progressing to the final in Comodoro Rivadavia.
In a packed Ingeniero Huergo stadium, Argentina and Peru were at their best. Argentina won the first set with Sosa and Lascano shining. Peru recovered to claim the second set, but coming back Argentina won the third. Peru again outwitted their opponents in the fourth, pushing both sides into the tie-breaker. Coach Guillermo Orduna brought in Boscacci, and Argentina prevailed powered forward by Sosa's outstanding performance.
Castiglioni's great setting in the fifth set was another element which helped to break down Peruvian digging, and it was Busquets' points that gave the light blue and whites the final momentum required to win gold.
Now both teams will prepare for the World Cup, which also serves as a qualifying event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The competition is sure to be played at a very high level and will be useful as a testing ground for both teams, who will be up against the best in the world.
Speaking after the match, Argentina player Leticia Boscacci said: "We knew how to stay calm at difficult moments and overcame them."
Argentina player Emilce Sosa said: "To play at home is the best that could happen. Our fans are outstanding - their support never stops".
Argentina player Yael Castiglione said: "It was a very hard match. Peru's serves are killers, but we learnt to stop them,"
The Champion Team: Yael Castiglione , Clarisa Sagardia, Lucía Fresco, Leticia Boscacci, Natalia Aispurúa, Emilce Sosa, Julieta Lazcano, Florencia Busquets, Yamila Nizetich, Josefina Fernandez, Sol Piccolo, Tanya Acosta, Tatiana Rizzo, Marianela Garbari. Coaching Team: Guillermo Orduna, Guillermo Caceres, Agustin Briscioli, Marcelo Magliarella .
ResultsWednesday, June 3Colombia v Chile 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-14)
Argentina v Uruguay 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-21)
Thursday, June 4Uruguay v Peru 0-3 (16-25, 14-25, 19-25)
Argentina v Chile 3-0 (25-5, 25-16, 25-13)
Friday, June 5Colombia v Peru 2-3 (25-21, 25-27, 17-25, 25-19, 11-15)
Uruguay vs. Chile 3-2 (18-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 18-16)
Saturday, June 6Chile v Peru 0-3 (14-25, 13-25, 13-25)
Argentina v Colombia 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-22)
Sunday, June 7Colombia vs. Uruguay 3-0 - Bronze Medal
Argentina vs. Perú 3-2 - Gold Medal