Brazil and Russia dominate opponents in opening matches: 2011 FIVB World League - Volleyball
Brazil and Russia entered the 2011 FIVB World League as the top two contenders. One of them is the defending Champion from last year, while the other finished as runner-up the same year. Perfectly assembled and intensely trained, both teams started the campaign in a great way and kept their dominance on the courts. Brazil has been placed in Pool A along with teams from USA, Puerto Rico and Poland, while Russia is grouped with Bulgaria, Japan and Germany in Pool B.
Brazil was put in with first time qualifiers in the FIVB World League, Puerto Rico, in the first-week matches. The defending Champions completely demolished Puerto Rico and finished their spell without losing a single set. On the other hand, Russia was challenged by the Japanese team. Russia beat the rivals black and blue in the first match, while capturing the match at the loss of one set.
However, both teams are staying in top slots in their respective pools with six points apiece. Let’s recap the matches:
Brazil vs. Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, and 25-16) – First match
The two teams had their first meeting on Friday, May 27 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Brazilian city San Juan. Brazil started off really well and the home spikers showed the power of their forearms. The better attack and defence enabled Brazil to secure the first set with a margin of 10 points. The second set saw Puerto Rico taking all measures to stop the Brazilian score but the ball kept landing on the Puerto Rican side. The men around Bernardo Rezende didn’t stop and extended their lead to 2-0 at the end of second set. Third set was another wonderful display of volleyball by the home team. They proved their skills and claimed match victory by winning the third set in a row.
Puerto Rico vs. Brazil 0-3 (19-25, 29-31, and 23-25) – Second match
Puerto Rico was all prepared to seek revenge from Brazil in the second match on Saturday. The captain, Hector Soto, came up with an improved plan for his team. Puerto Rico side learned a lot from the opening game but unwillingly had the psychological pressure. However, they played with the best of their tactics and showcased a better performance in the second match. The second set of the match turned into a heated competition. Brazil faced intense resistance from the opponents. The third set also had resembled previous sets. The Puerto Rican squad fought bravely but dropped all three sets with a narrow margin of points. Brazil once again walked away winners.
Russia vs. Japan 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, and 25-18) – 1st match
The silver-medallist team, Russia, opened the campaign at home. The city of Ufa set up the field for opening match on Friday, May 27. The Japanese team was featured as the guest team. At the first whistle of the referee, things started off and the exchange of powerful serves began. Russian team had certain advantages in the game. They had the emotional support of local fans and besides that, they had better physique and tall-statures. On top of it, the label of silver-medallist team helped them to influence the opponents. It took them 27 minutes to claim the first set of the match. Afterwards, Russian hotshots played in great style and kept an upper-hand on the Japanese team. The sports arena echoed with the roar of the fans. Russia dominated the opposite side and finished the game in three sets.
Japan vs. Russia 1-3 (25-22, 19-25, 12-25, and 12-25) – 2nd match
Japan kicked off the second match with a convincing first-set win with a lead of three points. The home squad was stunned by the great come-back of Japanese team. It seemed as if Japan was all shaped up to level the game-score in the second match. Somehow, they couldn’t keep the same energy in the following sets. Russia bounced back in the game and broke the rhythm of the visitors. Russians spiked it hard and restricted Japan to a low score. The home team experienced a little shake in the opening set but managed to overcome the resistance.
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