U12 World Cup Qualifier 2024 | Rain interrupts the opening day, four matches suspended including Puerto Rico-Cuba. The Cubans face the Dominican Republic this Monday

Puerto Rico in action against Cuba, when rain interrupted the game on Sunday. (Photo: Carlos Castro)

The opening day of the 2024 U12 Pan American Games was partially interrupted by rain in Panama City on Sunday.

Box score

In the morning, only two games took place. The Dominican Republic defeated Brazil 10-0 in 5 innings in Group B, while Mexico secured a 3-1 victory over Nicaragua in Group A.

The remaining matches, like Puerto Rico-Cuba, where the Cubans led 2-0 by the end of their first inning, were halted, along with the Ecuador-USA, Argentina-Venezuela, and Colombia-Panama games. A review of these matches and the overall schedule will take place on Monday, with a possibility of rescheduling the games for a later date if needed.

Despite any future alterations, the Cuban team is scheduled to face the Dominican Republic team this Monday, following the latter's decisive victory over Brazil today, Sunday.

Should there be no alterations, Cuba will adhere to the predetermined schedule for their matches in the Group B qualifying stage of the tournament.

Sunday 10/20/ - Game 1: 11:30 am (*) - PUR vs. CUB (CANCELED DUE TO RAIN)

Monday 10/21/ - Game 2: 5:00 pm (*) - CUB vs. DOM

Tuesday 10/22/ - Game 3: 10:30 am (*) - CUB vs. ARG

Wednesday 10/23/ - Game 4: 1:30 pm (*) - BRA vs. CUB

Thursday 10/24/ - Game 5: 1:30 pm (*) - VEN vs. CUB

(*) Cuba and Eastern US time

The World Cup Qualifier, also known as the Pan-American tournament, consists of two groups, each comprising six teams. Group A consists of the host country, Panama, as well as the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador.

Group B includes the national teams of Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina and Cuba.

With Panama securing its spot as the host country for the 2025 World Cup qualifier, the remaining eleven teams will compete for one of the three coveted spots in the prestigious tournament.

Should Panama make it to the semi-finals, all teams will advance, with the top two from each group progressing to the next round. In the event that Panama does not reach the semi-finals, the teams finishing in the top three positions will secure their spots in the World Cup.

The United States currently holds the world champion title in the category, having won in the 2023 edition in Chinese Taipei by defeating the local team 10-4 in the final. Prior to this victory, the Americans also emerged victorious in the 2021 World Cup tournament. In contrast, Cuba did not participate in the last two editions after securing a bronze medal in 2019 by defeating South Korea 2-1.

CUBA U12 ROSTER TO THE 2024 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Pitchers (5): Rider Pérez (HAB), Alesandro Martínez (HOL), Asnel Tornés (SCU), Fabián Salcedo (GRA), and Osmany Palma (GRA).

Catchers (2): Yuceidel Torres (MAY), and José Martínez (GRA).

Infielders (7): Alfredo Despaigne Jr. (GRA), Alesandro Soto (SCU), Oliver Monteagudo (SSP), Daibel Barrero (CAV), Humberto Alfonso (HAB), Yeison Pérez (GRA), and

Alan López (HAB).

Outfielders (4): Alex Bryan (GTM), Diego Girón (HAB), Frank Cañizares (SSP), and Dainier Madruga (HAB).

Manager: Vladimir Vargas.