Lausanne, Switzerland, May 31, 2017 - Russia and Argentina come head-to-head for the second time in the history of the World League, when they clash on Friday in Kazan - but Russia haven't beaten the South American in two years across in any FIVB competition.
Head-to-Head• Russia (including Soviet Union and EUN) and Argentina have met once before in the World League. Last year, Argentina claimed a straight-set victory over Russia in Group A.
• These nations most recently met in a competitive match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (9 August 2016), when Argentina beat Russia 3-1 in the preliminary round.
• Russia's last victory over Argentina at a major tournament came on 12 September 2015, when they won 3-1 at the 2015 World Cup.
Russia• Russia have finished outside the top four in each of the previous three World League seasons, after claiming their most recent overall victory in the competition in 2013.
• Their 2013 triumph was one of three World League titles for Russia. They also emerged victorious in 2002 and 2011.
• Russia will be making their 26th participation and that includes this team campaigning as Soviet Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Argentina• Argentina will make their 19th appearance in the World League.
• Argentina will take part in the competition for the ninth successive season.
• Argentina secured their best finish in the competition in 2011. They came fourth that season.