The FIVB Grand Prix - Brazil stable on its feet
Brazil experienced a shocking upset defeat in the first preliminary round of the FIVB Grand Prix Women’s Volleyball Championship at home-city Sao Carlos. The Italian team, which headed into the game with the shaky start itself, somehow, provided a major blow to the defending champion. Italy had lost their first match to Japan but managed to stun the world by beating Brazil on the final day of first round.
The championship entered the second phase on Friday, 13th of August, 2010. The winners and losers descended the court with different plans to clear the stage. The defending champion Brazil had the burns of defeat in the previous game, and now it was all prepared for the kill. Brazil played the second round matches under the tag of Group E, where it was placed along with China, Netherlands and Dominican Republic. China was the major threat for Brazil in second preliminary round.
Brazil vs. Dominican Republic
In the first match, Dominican Republic dared to call on furious Brazil on Friday. Brazil opened the first set with a delivery of nice jump-serves and moved forward with a fast pace. The Dominican Republic’s team could not help to get influenced by the heavy Brazilian side. The Dominican’s attack was weak; most of their spikes were blocked before they could cross the net. Brazil took an early lead in the game and maintained the gap. The mid-court players carried the ball and deceived the opponents with excellent bump-passes. The first set finished with Brazilian win as a result of 25-14 on the points counter.
For the final two sets, the game progressed with the same tone, where Brazil dominated the Dominican Republic. Brazil posted 25-18 in the second set, while the third set declared Brazil’s victory after 25-14 hit the block. Brazil started the second round with 3-0 win over Dominican Republic.
The next contenders: the Netherlands
The second match with the team from Netherlands created a different impression on Brazilian team. The difficulty level was high and the teams were prepared for a close competition. Brazil demonstrated a sensible play and focused on the defence line to save the points. In addition, the Brazilian musketeers found the gaps on the other side of the court and hit point-scoring shots. Brazil captured the first set win and headed into the second set. The Netherlands’ counter-acted like a hungry wolf and devastated the Brazilian defence. They scored some good points in the second set and managed to subdue Brazil after posting 25-21. Brazil was stunned with the defeat in second set.
The Brazilian team held their nerve in the third set and hit back aggressively to take a lead. They did justice to the Netherlands’ team, offensively and defensively. Brazil won the third set by poling 25-15. The third-set victory boosted their energy level and enticed them to crash the Netherlands. On the other side, Netherlands fought back in a brilliant way and tied the game at certain points. Brazil ended the tussle with a final hit from the middle front and claimed victory of 26-24.
Brazil vs. China
The most awaited match of the second round took place on Monday. Brazil defeated China, which remained un-beaten in the first round of FIVB Grand Prix 2010. China appeared as if it was not the same team. Brazil didn’t give them a chance to stay on their feet. The first set was bitterly lost by China after receiving 12-25 beat. In the second and third round, Brazil kept on hitting fire fleshes on the Chinese team and produced a commanding lead, which helped them win both the final sets (19-25 and 19-25).
Brazil won all three matches of the 2nd round and played like a defending champion this time.
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