FIVB Women's Volleyball Special: The hosts Japan lost the battle to Brazil
It is big news which has left masses in utter awe and frenzy as Japan lost the semi-final to Brazil at its home-soil. The second semi-final of the FIVB Women’s World Championship 2010 for the 1-4 positions featured two arch rivals of the volleyball world.
The long tiring encounter between Brazil and Japan continued for 5 sets. Brazil held off Japan for 3-2 (22-25, 33-35, 25-22, 25-22, and 15-11) victory on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Yoyogi National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan. The historic match was witnessed
by a record 11,000 spectators.
Match Overview
Both semi-finalists were prepared for the big challenge. Japan had the competitive edge of home court, familiar environment and the emotional support of local fans. Brazil, on the other hand, was equipped all necessary tools and tricks of the game. The Brazilian
squad enjoyed a brilliant form and remained unbeaten in the championship. The incredible combat kept both sides busy for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The volleyball enthusiasts were gathered in large numbers to back their favourite teams. The home-team received
a huge applause for capturing the first two sets but Brazil came out quite strong in the latter half of the game. They attacked like a wolf and snatched victory from Japan.
First Set
The match was opened with strong serves from both sides. Natalia Pereira of Brazil floated the ball with great skill and produced powerful shots, while Japan attacked with Yukiko Ebata. The exchange of exquisite shots created a great thrill in the game.
The Yoyogi National Stadium echoed huge noise of spectators at every shot. The score shifted up with a close gap. Japan’s Saori Kimura was very active over the net. She added consecutive points by hitting unstoppable spikes. The game picked up great pace as
it inched its way to the finish line. Japan led the game with 22-20 but Brazil spontaneously earned a better status by hitting 23-21 on the scoreboard. In the meanwhile, Brazil were whistled for touching the net which caused them the loss of first set. Japan
posted 25-22 and secured the first set.
Second Set
The loss of first set put Brazil on fire. They came strong on Japan in the second set but Japan defended really well. As a result, the score was tied at various. The two sides put mind, body and soul together to take lead in the game. The wonderful chemistry
between Natalia and Sheilla Castro helped Brazil’s score to rise up but Japanese strikers stayed on top of the game anyway. Long rallies were staged and fans moved back ‘n’ forth in their seats to see the outcome. The most interesting ties were seen at 29-29
and 31-3. The ball kept rolling as no side was ready to give up. The hit and run strategy continued and score tied at 33-33 once again. Ultimately, Kimura ended the tussle with a powerful spike and earned success for Japan at 35-33. This was probably the longest
set which lasted for 39 minutes.
Third Set
Japan was overjoyed by two straight set victories but it was the turn of protagonists in the game, who knew?
Brazil threw attacked will full power and stormed Japanese side with court-pounding shots. Team Japanalso worked out nice shots and tied the score at 12-12. Brazil paid more attention on defence and restricted Japan to score. Moreover, Japan hit a few illegal
shots which promptly resulted in Brazil’s lead of 20-18. Brazilian Fabiana blocked strong hits from opponents and extended Brazil’s lead to 24-20. They outshined with 25-22 victory over Japan in third set.
Fourth Set
Brazil continued with success in the next set and got stronger by beating Japan with the same score of 25-22. Japan suffered the loss of another set and the game was levelled at 2-2. The situation got uncertain for Japan and they were dragged under huge
pressure.
Fifth Set
The 15-point golden set started out with mighty shots from Brazil. Japan seemed to have lost momentum but still they fought bravely. However, the final set ended in Brazil’s favour as they pulled off victory at 15-11. Brazil seized the semi-final triumph
and reserved a slot in the final showdown of the FIVB Women’s World Championship.
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