FIVB Grand Prix 2010 - Brazil remains unparalleled in the 3rd round of the event
Brazil’s Women National Team made its mark in the third round of the FIVB Grand Prix 2010. The team which already topped the standings at the end of second round clean-swept the third round and firmly held their grip on the top spot. Their performance amazed the spectators and a 3-0 match-win ratio proved them the real champions of the game.
Brazil played its third-round matches in Taipei, Taiwan. The host nation Chinese Taipei, Puerto Rico and Poland accompanied them in Group H. The defending champion opened the third-week’s play by taking on Puerto Rico.
Brazil vs. Puerto Rico
It was the first time in the tournament these teams came together. The match chiefly created an impression of one-sided battle. The top team of the championship was too heavy for an average struggling competitor like Puerto Rico.
The first set started with dominating serves by Brazilian players. The game slightly rushed into the rapid phase where both the teams attacked each other. Brazil led the game as the top hitters supplied Puerto Rico with an array of heavy spikes. The defending champion had the competitive edge over Puerto Rican team as they had better records in previous games. Puerto Rico could extend their points to 18 while Brazil achieved the first set-point and finished the game with a delicate shot.
The second set was even more embarrassing for Puerto Rico, as they failed to stop the points’ run of Brazil. The Puerto Rican side collapsed after receiving 13-25 defeat in the 2nd set.
In the first two sets, Brazil ruled the game and didn’t give their opponents a chance to gain any reputation. Nonetheless, the Puerto Ricans found their feet in the third set and hit back. They managed to take advantage of Brazilian attack-errors and chased them in the points’ run. On account of their hard-work, Puerto Rico took the points’ streak to 19 but failed to stop their defeat in the third set. Brazil posted 25-20 win in third set and claimed match victory.
Chinese Taipei vs. Brazil
The second match was even easier for Brazil, as Chinese Taipei was no threat for them. The C.T. lost all their 1st and 2nd round matches and hit the bottom in standings of FIVB Grand Prix 2010. Anyhow, the host Chinese Taipei had an advantage of home-courts and support of local fans. The first set started and Brazil restricted them to score any points. The C.T. players exhibited quick moves and hit some spikes. The uproar of fans encouraged their team but Brazil killed the C.T. attack and won the first set. In the final two sets, Brazil did the same and outplayed C.T. Brazil achieved three straight set victory by sending 25-15, 25-17, and 25-16.
Brazil vs. Poland
It was the only match which had a spark as Polish team had the potential to stand before Brazil. Poland was included in the top-three teams at the end of second week game and shared equal points with Brazil and Japan. Poland played its 1st round matches in home city Gdynia and won all three matches. Since the home-court changed, the performance was damped and it bore the loss of one game.
Poland collided with Brazil on 22nd August and both teams had won their two early matches. Brazil defeated Poland in three straight sets. The first set was totally dominated by Brazil as it created a lead of 8 points. Polish team lost the first set and entered the 2nd set with a new spirit. The team fought very well and tied the score at certain points. Somehow the final victory in the set was claimed by Brazil. The great Brazilian aces won the third set by launching 25-16 and won the match.
Brazil won all its matches of third round and topped the standing with 24 points.
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