Defending Champions Brazil finish first round with 3-0 win – 2011 Girls Youth World Championship
The 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship is underway in Ankara, Turkey. The tournament is scheduled to complete its run from August 12-21.
A total of sixteen international volleyball teams of under-19 players are on board to catch the limelight. Brazil is the defending champion and so far the team has been credited for a remarkable performance. Playing under the tag of Pool B team in the first
round of the tournament, Brazil defeated Slovakia, Mexico, and Argentina in three days.
Team Brazil was challenged by Slovakia in the opening match on Friday, August 12. Young Slovakian team appeared as an easy task for Brazil. The defending champions overpowered the opponents in all respects of the game and claimed 3-0 win. Success in first
match helped Brazil in collecting three points. On the following day, Brazil had to cope with Mexican team. The NORCECA players (Mexicans) struggled with full potential and incorporated their skills and expertises. However, powerhouse Brazil denied all their
efforts. Mexico could only secure one set in the whole match, which was never enough to save them from remorse. Another three points were added into Brazil’s score for winning the match against Mexico.
In the final match of first round, Brazil displayed stellar performance against Argentina. Both teams shared a great rivalry in the group. It was a crucial match for both teams as it was an equal chance for both to make it to the top position in Pool B.
The team clad in ‘sky blue and white’ outfits had captured its previous matches like Brazil. Hence, the fans expected a cracking show on the third day of the tournament between Brazil and Argentina.
With the help of powerful hits, Brazil took a jumpstart in the game. They scored well and tried to put pressure on the rival side. On the other side of the net, Team Argentine was equally active in counter-attacks. The first tie of the match was seen on
15-all but thanks to Brazil’s Gabriela who broke the tie and led her team to success in the opening set. After winning the first set, Brazil had the confidence to make further progress in the following sets. They captured back-to-back sets and announced match
victory over Argentina.
Head Coach of Brazil, Mauricio Thomas commented, “We put a lot of pressure on the Argentinean passers to play an excellent block-defence game. We prepared well and were able to adapt during the match. At the end, I had the chance to give some new players
the chance to play. Now we need to focus on the second round where a lot of strong teams are waiting.”
“Statistics say everything about the match. Brazil controlled the match in mostly all parts of the game. And they served very well. Step by step we’ll improve our level; I’m looking forward to the second round,” said the Argentinean coach Guillermo Caceres.
Brazil secured the top slot in the standing of Pool B and successfully found a place in the top-8 teams of the tournament in the next round.
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