SAITAMA (Japan), Nov 20: European champions Spain got their first win at the men’s World Cup volleyball tournament this year when it downed North American champions the United States on Tuesday.

With Israel Rodriguez scoring 19 points and Guillermo Falasca 18 points, the Spaniards rallied to a 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 25-20 victory in Matsumoto, west of Tokyo.

“We are getting better, the blocks and serves started to work. When the serves are good, the blocks become good as well,” said Spain’s coach, Marcelo Mendez of Argentina.

The Americans, who shocked world champions Brazil on opening day, continued to struggle following their surprise defeat to Puerto Rico on Monday — their first loss in 30 years to the continental rivals.

“We came out with a better energy and focus but unfortunately we are not executing the game at a level to beat teams like Spain,” said American captain Thomas Hoff.

“We have to look past this game. We have a lot more matches to go and we need to keep playing good volleyball.”

US coach Hugh McCutcheon said the team needed to re-evaluate the way they worked together.

“We have got the day off tomorrow, so hopefully we can get things back on track in the second stage.”

The top three finishers in the 12-team round robin competition qualify for next year’s Beijing Olympics.

After three games each, Athens Olympic bronze medallists Russia and world bronze medallists Bulgaria remained unbeaten.

In other matches on Tuesday, Russia, also the 1999 World Cup winners, outclassed Tunisia 22-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-16 in Saitama, while Bulgaria defeated Puerto Rico 19-25, 25-18, 27-25, 25-17 in Matsumoto.

South American silver medallists Argentina outgunned Asian bronze medallists South Korea 26-24, 25-22, 25-20. —AFP