Colombia and Uruguay kicked off the South American U21 Men's Championship in Bariloche on Wednesday
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, October 20, 2016 - The South American U21 Men's Championship began on Wednesday with six countries competing for a berth at the 2017 FIVB Volleyball U21 Men's World Championship in the Czech Republic.
Colombia defeated Uruguay 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-15) before Brazil claimed victory against Chile 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17) and hosts Argentina outplayed Peru 3-0 (25-9, 25-15, 25-15).
The championship matches are broadcast live on the South American Volleyball Confederation website
www.voleysur.org. Thursday's matches will see Brazil take on Uruguay at 15.00 local time, Chile against Peru at 17.30 and Argentina against Colombia at 20.00.
The top scorers in the three matches on Wednesday were: Juan Pablo Moreno (Colombia - 17 tallies), Roque (Chile - 14 tallies) and Jan Martinez (Argentina - 14).
The competition's opening ceremony, featuring music and a presentation of the teams, took place between the second and the third match of the day in a stadium filled with cheering Albiceleste fans. Argentina coach Alejandro Grossi gave all his players a chance to pit their skills against the Peruvians in the final match of the day.
Argentina player Jan Martinez said: "The team showed a very good level and so it could be seen at the end result. All teams show nerves at their debuts, but we are very happy for the result and to see so many people supporting us. We will think of one match at a time."
Peru player Daniel Urena said: "The most important fact is that we showed our claws and that we can face very strong teams. Argentina are a powerful team with lots of experience. We must show another attitude tomorrow and the days that come ahead and we will obtain better results."
Colombia player Juan Pablo Moreno said: "We started with on the right foot and we trained for this competition hard. I am happy I topped the scoring and it is good to give our best. We can improve tomorrow as a team and I also can play much better."
Uruguay player Jesús Arriola said: "We did our utmost but we faced a very good and experienced team. Their setting and spiking are very good while we have just started as a team but we are confident for our future. This is our start and we must win experience and improve our performances."
Chile player Esteban Villarreal said: "Brazil are always a very hard rival. They are very strong, very tall and we must change our attitude against such rivals. We must show our best volleyball."
Brazil player Roque Felipe said: "Brazil played well but we know we can play much better. We came to win the championship and the berth for next year's World Championship and I hope we fulfil the goal even though we know it will not be very easy."