The U.S. defeated Cuba and Russia in pool matches today at wrestling’s Freestyle World Cup at the Forum.
The U.S. will face Mongolia (1-1) at 11 a.m. today in the the final pool match for both teams. If the Americans win, they would advance to the championship match at 5:45 p.m. against the Group B winner.
Iran (2-0) will face Azerbaijan (2-0) in the final Group B match at 12:30 p.m. to determine the group winner.
The U.S. defeated Cuba 6-2, winning the final six matches after losing the first two, before a crowd announced at 2,411. The U.S. defeated Russia, 17- 16 on classification points after each team won four matches.
The U.S. trailed Russia, 16-13, in classification points heading into the final match, with American heavyweight Tervel Dlagnev needing to defeat Arslanbek Aliev by a fall or a technical fall and not allow a point to give the U.S. victory. Dlagnev won 10-0.
Iran defeated Belarus, 8-0, and Turkey, 7-1, amid rhythmic cheers of “Iran” during its matches. The concourse of the Forum was decked with Iranian flags.
The Freestyle World Cup is wrestling’s annual dual meet championship and has been held annually since 1973. Iran has won each of the past three years.
