Brazil receives early defeat from Japan: 2011 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship
The Japanese team crushed the host team Brazil in the opening match of the 2011 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship on Monday, August 1. Japan and Brazil are grouped together in Pool A of the tournament along with teams from United States and Bulgaria.
The first day of the tournament featured two matches in Pool A, where Japan created a major upset against Brazil. Earlier on, Bulgaria and U.S. met in a tough match. The Maracanazinho Gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro hosted the 5-set thriller as the visitors sparked
by defeating the hosts with a score of 3-2 (21-25, 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, and 18-16).
Takashi Dekita, the Japanese player was the real hero of the match. He contributed a match-high 27 points. Brazilian outside hitter, Ricardo Lucarelli, scored 22 points through 43 attack attempts and 16 blocks. Another Brazilian Lucas Eduardo registered
19 points and was named the third best-scorer of the match.
The first whistle of referee started things off with the Japanese team in the process of settling down in front of the defending champions. The home team broke the ice by scoring first three points of the match, while Japan was yet to be on board. The exchange
of fast spikes and long rallies started out. Brazil remained ahead of Japan and quickly inched its way to the finish line. Lucas Loh of Brazil showcased a great play and received huge applause from home local fans. Brazilin players responded to the uproar
of fans and clinched success in the first set (25-21).
After dropping the opening set, Japanese team hit back strongly and tried to cover the deficit in second set. They managed to steal points from Brazil and built a lead of 4-2. However, Brazil chased the score in new few minutes and once again took lead.
Yamato Fushimi of Japan stood up against the opponents and attacked with full strength. The swift spikes easily found a way to the Brazilian and Japan went up on scoreboard. Brazil was not ready to give up anyway. They fought bravely and retook the control
of operations after the second technical break. Nonetheless, luck accompanied Japan as they scored good points near the end of the second set. They put away three straight points and claimed second set.
Brazil faced trouble when the Japanese took away another set. Team Japan outshone their opponents with better display of game. 5-point defeat in third set was real troublesome for Brazil as Japan earned a lead of 2-1 in the match. Brazil managed to hit the
equaliser in the fourth set. It momentarily saved Brazil from seeing any unpleasant scenario but Japan was ready to stun them in the final set.
The fifth and decisive set of the match was the real test of game skills of both teams. The Brazilian team started committing too many unforced mistakes, which ultimately led them to a loss of their first match of the tournament. Japan celebrated an amazing
victory over one of the toughest teams in the world.
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