London Olympic bronze medal goes to Brazil – Volleyball News
Brazil’s Juliana Felisberta Silva and Larissa Franca secured the Olympic bronze medal after defeating China’s Chen Xue and Zhang Xi on Wednesday.
The Brazilians held off Chinese counterparts for 2-1 (11-21, 21-19, 15-12) victory in the match, which took place at the totally packed-up Horse Guards Parade in London. The match covered its length in 52 minutes.
Xue/Zhang started out well and created a good impression with their powerful serves in the first set. Chinese pair came up with convincing attacks and added consecutive points. The Brazilian duo seemed to have no answer and became irresistible. The ball
frequently landed in Brazilian half and raised the score of China. The opening set of the match quickly inched its way to the end, whereas Brazilian tandem failed to bring any change. Chinese led the scores from start to the end and eventually claimed set-1
with big margin of 10 points (21-11).
Before the start of second set, Juliana and Larissa formulized a new plan. Chinese pair was in better position after winning opening set, but the Brazilians managed to take them down. With the better combination of attack and defence, Juliana/Larissa added
good points and gradually came out of the blues. Good digging and diving of Brazilian players helped them save the crucial points. China led the score in the early half of the second set, but then lost the momentum. The South American pair went up and cruised
past to second-set win with two points.
In the decisive third set, Juliana/Larissa carried the same momentum and gave a good competition to the opponents. Xue/Zhang came from different angles and used several tactics to retake the control of operations. Nevertheless, they faced utmost resistance
from the other side of the net. Juliana/Larissa rallied consecutive points and seemed visibly reinvigorated. They remained on the winning course and closed third set with three-point lead. Brazilian duo captured third set and settled for 2-1 victory in the
match.
“I am so proud of our team. At the beginning of the match we didn’t play well and I didn’t know how we did it in the second set. The tie-break at the end, though I hate them, went well. This medal, though it isn’t gold, feels like gold,” said Juliana.
She further added: “It’s not important to start well, it is important to finish well. You want it so bad and I am so proud to have played at the Olympic Games. Last night I said we have to stick together because we had to win the bronze medal.”
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