Volleyball Update: Brazil hammered Italy in the semi-final of the FIVB Championship
It was the morning of a big day on Saturday, 9th October, 2010 in Rome, Italy. The two best teams of the FIVB Men’s World Championship were scheduled to contest their game-talent and abilities in the semi-final combat. One side of the court was
captured by the local hot-favourite Italian team, while the other side showed the defending champion Brazil with their guns loaded. It was the most awaited match of the championship and Palalottomatica sports halls was totally sold out. Around 12,000 spectators
took their seats to witness the incredible fight between Italy and Brazil.
Italy built a very good reputation in the championship by maintaining the flawless record of victories. The home-team was un-beaten until Brazil broke the rhythm and thrashed their winning streak by shocking defeat of 3-1 (25-15, 25-22, 23-25, and 25-17)
in the second semi-final of the day.
Both teams had prepared themselves for the big competition. Brazil opened the first set with explosive shots and earned three consecutive points. Murilo Endres of Brazil was on fire and he devastated Italy’s defence line. The middle blocker Rodrigao tackled
the swift spikes from Italian side. The host team was drafted under immense pressure on account of unstable performance in the early phase of game. They trailed behind with a margin of three points at the first technical timeout (TTO).
Alessandro Fei of Italy delivered two excellent attack shots and scored points but the real problem existed in their defence. The feeble blocking provided enough damage to Italy’s team. The aggressive spiking of Vissotto enabled Brazil to secure the first
set with a fair lead of 10 points. Italy received a humiliating first-set defeat in 21st minute of the game by 15-25.
Brazil successfully achieved the better status against Italy in their home court. The local fans demanded a comeback from home-team but Brazil kept them at a safe distance. Brazil remained one step ahead in the game and continued putting more pressure on
Italy. At the end of second technical timeout, Brazil led the game with a score of 16-11. Italy relied only on Fei’s attack attempts. He contributed six valuable points in the team’s score but too many unforced reception errors restricted Italy’s score to
a low stake. Brazil seized another comfortable victory over Italy with the help of 25-22.
The situation was getting tougher for Italy. They constantly banked on the losing side. Italian team entered the third set with a solid ambition of “do or die”. They had enough to learn from earlier two sets. The team put a combined effort and struggled
for the lost pride. The lead of 10-6 created a hope of survival for the host-team. They improved in ball-reception and saved many influential points. The team got back on track and came out of blues.
Italy’s libero David Marra received huge applause from audience due to 16 perfect receptions. The stable moves and better defence earned them ‘25-23’ victory and the local crowd finally celebrated Italy’s success in third set.
Somehow, Italy couldn’t keep the same run in the following set. Moreover, the loss of third set simply put Brazilian squad in rage. They started heavy strike and built a quick lead of 6-3. Brazilian aces flabbergasted Italy’s players. Brazil attacked from
every possible angle and left no choice for the host Italy. The game continued with the same behaviour and Brazil stay put on influencing Italians.
They maintained their lead over Italy and extended it to 16-10 after the second technical timeout. Italy tried to narrow down the gap of points but their efforts went futile. They could only add three points in their score, while Brazil immediately jumped
to ‘21’ mark on the scoreboard. Brazil pulled off victory by sending 25-17 and declared match victory.
Brazil joined Cuba in the final match of FIVB Championship. The Brazilian squad overcame the powerhouse Italy and team was determined to repeat the same success story in the final encounter.
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