Brazil ends 2011 FIVB World League Prelims with win over Poland – Volleyball news
Brazil claimed a straight set victory over hosts Poland in the final match of 2011 FIVB World League Prelims on Thursday, June 30. The fully packed Spodek arena in Kotowice, Poland hosted the thrilling action as 11,000 spectators witnessed Poland receive a 0-3 (17-25, 14-25, and 21-25) thrashing.
Sidao, Giba, Theo, Rodrigo, Marlon, Dante and libero Sergio entered the court in yellow Brazilian outfits. On the other side of the net, Piotr, Bartosz, Bartman, Ruciak, Zygadlo, Mozdzonek and libero Ignaczak occupied their positions.
Brazil opened the match with a power serve and started things off well. The tough battle saw Poland earn a slight lead at the first technical timeout, 8-7. After the break, Brazil came back strong and put away consecutive points. They attacked with skipper Giba, who supplied plenty of power to his shots. He produced strong serves and raised Brazil’s score with amazing cross court shots. Brazil went up near the second mandatory stop and pushed Poland behind. As the first set inched its way towards the end, Brazil put more pressure on the Poles and further tightened their screws. The home team committed too many unforced errors and dropped the first set by eight points.
Brazil was in total control of the game after success in the first set. They continued the strike in the following second set and did not allow the Polish players to rest on their laurels. Heavy strike of volleys and shots at lightning speed flabbergasted the home squad. Poles finished the second set with a score of 14, while Brazilians added second-set win to their count.
Poland fought well in the third set but Brazil had attained a strong spot by then. Brazilians stayed on top of the game and didn’t allow Poland to turn the mood of the game. Finally Poland suffered a set back in third set and Brazil walked away with victory.
Post-match
Andrea Anastasi, the mentor of Polish team was disappointed with the regretful loss as he stated, “I have no words, we played really bad. We played against the best team in the world and we made a huge mistake – we didn't fight. I hope it was the first and the last time. Now we have to focus on the Final Round, think about match after match, not about which team we will play.”
The Brazilian top-gun Giba was overjoyed with the great sense of victory against the Poles on their home soil. He called it one of the best performances of the tournament so far and appreciated the good reception and solid defence of his side, which restricted the Polish team from going up on the score-chart. In Giba’s view, a good finish of the intercontinental round would help them in the Final Round matches. In the end, he congratulated the whole team for an incredible victory.
Likewise, the head coach Bernardo Rezende was satisfied with his team’s performance. He praised the team-work and combined effort of players from his side.
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