The FIVB Grand Prix 2010: Defending champion Brazil is down with low performance
The defending champion Brazil topped the FIVB Grand Prix 2010 standings with a maximum of 24 points at the end of preliminary rounds. Brazil suffered the loss of just one game in the first week. Nonetheless, the defending champion entertained fans with a display of physical and emotional ramification. Expectations were high and hormones were raging as they entered the final round of the tournament.
Brazil played the first three matches of the final round and finished with a disappointing result. They could only catch one-match victory and lost two games which adversely affected their ranking. Brazil spontaneously dropped to third spot while U.S. climbed up the top spot.
First-day Match-25th August 2010
In the first match, Brazil came head-to-head with Japan. Brazilian team hit the podium with bright prospects as they were the favourite team of the first three rounds. Japan stood firm in the court with a confident look on their faces. The match started and audience saw a great exhibition of thrilling volleyball. Brazil anticipated the Japanese strategy and incorporated cut-shots to hit points. They successfully benefitted from their plan and won the first set. Japan levelled the score by defeating Brazil in second set via posting 25-23. Brazil regained control in third set and ousted competitor side with 25-18 score in the end.
The bright hours of victory graced Japanese team as they won the final two sets and pushed Brazil behind in the game.
Second-day Match- 26th August 2010
The Polish team challenged the defending champion on the second day of the final round. Brazil was all fired up after receiving a defeat from Japan in the opening match. The Brazilian players looked over their weak points and overcame their flaws. Polish team was indeed equipped with quick wing-spikers and back-court defensive experts. They fought well in the game but attained only one-set win while rest of the three sets were empowered by Brazilian top aces. Brazil avoided the ball-handling error and limited the possibility of camp-fire points. They rose-up the scene and captured 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-20, and 25-17) victory.
The second-match victory restored their confidence and Brazil prepared for the third important match with USA.
Third-day Match- 27th August 2010
It was the toughest competition as the U.S. team was in very good form. They had a stock of finest players in their squad and posed a big-threat on Brazil. The arena was packed with the masses of volleyball followers, who were there to watch amazing performance of the two giants of volleyball world. The teams appeared in the court and a stirring sensation hit the walls of Beilun Gymnasium. First set started with long jump-serves and electrifying spikes from Brazil. The fans stood on their feet and screamed at the height of their lungs. Brazil rocked the scene with smashing unstoppable aces. The wing-spikers hit mighty shots which passed through American players’ hands. Brazil finished the first set with 25-22 win.
U.S. team answered back and created buzz in the game. They attacked Brazilian defence and targeted the centre-court area. American setter floated the ball in the air at perfect times and outside hitters produced swift spikes from them. U.S created lead in the game and paved their way to excess the success in second set.
Americans stay put on the same course in third set and moved along with a winning spirit. Third set was the longest of previous sets and points’ streak was extended to 30-28 when Japan declared victory in the set.
Brazil pulled out victory in the fourth set but Poland shook Brazilians in the final set of match. After a strenuous battle, Japan picked up fifth-set win and claimed overall match victory.
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