Japan stuns defending champion Brazil in 4th round of the FIVB Grand Prix 2010
The final phase of the FIVB Grand Prix 2010 is underway with full intensity and it is making headlines with striking results. The battle is on among five best teams of the tournament and China is keeping them company in the squad as host nation. The final round kicked off on Wednesday, 25th August 2010. The Beilun Gymnasium in Chinese city, Ningbo staged an appealing match between United States and Poland on the first day.
In the second match, powerhouse Brazil came forward to face Japan. Brazil has had an impressive spell in the recent years as they totally dominated the volleyball scene. They have successfully secured two FIVB Grand Prix titles in last two years and they are definitely tipped to grab their third straight victory this year. Brazil lost only one match in the preliminary round against Italy which brought a lot of flak for them. Otherwise, they maintained a good reputation in the game and held the first spot in standings with 24 points.
Brazil and Japan had the first meeting in the opening preliminary round two weeks back. The strong Brazilian crew posted a 3-0 victory over Japan and moved ahead in the game. By hook or crook, both teams came together for the second encounter in 4th round. Japan had learned enough from previous games and showed Brazil a complete different side. They shocked Brazil with a great performance and settled for an upset win in the final round. Japan posted 3-2 (13-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, and 25-13) victory and grabbed world-wide attention for their brilliant act.
In the succession of game, Brazil opened the first set and hit the balls on target. The perfect serves and cracking shots helped them lead the game. The first set was ruled by Brazil as they restricted Japan’s score to a maximum of 13 points. Brazil achieved success in the set with a margin of 12 points.
The second set saw a new spin in the game with the Japanese hitting back stongly. They controlled the ball in their court and skilfully chased Brazil in the points’ run. Japan took advantage of Brazilian errors and advanced in the set. The set point was achieved and Japan finished the game with a perfect ace at 25-23.
After the loss of second set, Brazil jumped back in the game and built a lead. Japan also struggled and followed the score but could not produce even-handed results. Brazil continued hitting the ball and maintained their lead with the help of deceptive shots and bump-passes. The weak defence of Japan gave way to Brazil’s success in third set.
Afterwards, teams plunged into the fourth set and excitement increased among audience. Brazil tried to maintain their lead, rather strived to extend it by winning the fourth set. Likewise Japan was in need to win the set in order to survive. The floor was banged with pounding shots from both sides. The points shifted equally for two teams but Japan managed to take lead in the end. They posted a 25-22 win over Brazil in fourth set.
The decisive fifth set started and put the players’ abilities and stamina to a real test. The span of the game exhausted players but as the climax was near, the players of both teams were filled with new blood. All of a sudden, the Japanese team sparked with incredible play and hit point-scoring shots. The powerful spikes perfectly landed in Brazilian courts and did not give them a chance to block them.
Japan kept the same momentum and level of energy to tackle the ball and earn points after points. The fifth set ended in Japanese favour as they were able to post 25-13 to claim final victory.
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