Runners-up to a powerful Brazil side at the 2013 South American Championship, Argentina will fancy their chances of finally recapturing a place on the podium at a World Championship, for the first time since they won bronze while hosting the tournament in 1982. They need to improve sharply though, after finishing 2nd in Pool D of Group 2 and 13th place overall at the 2014 World League.

The South Americans have gone close since 1982, with sixth-place finishes in 1990 and 2002, seventh in 1986 and ninth last time out. Poland 2014 will be their 10th successive appearance in the competition, and their 11th overall after a debut across the border in Brazil in 1960.

That second place to Brazil in August last year was the fifth successive time – and 12th overall – they had taken the silver medal in South American championships, and they pushed the Brazilians all the way to five sets before succumbing.

In their other matches at the tournament Argentina, who finished third at the Pan American Cup in August, dominated, winning every match 3-0, to show that they have added consistency to their undoubted ability!!