Brazil Frustrates Russia in Volleyball World Championship Final

The team coached by Bernandinho proved to be at the top level of the competition
In a five thrilling sets game, the South Americans defeated Russia and obtained the World Cup for the first time in their volleyball history. It took Brazil two hours to secure the title in a very equal game against the last World League Champions.

Exactly twenty years ago, the same rivals found each other in the same place, the Luna Park Stadium of Buenos Aires, to do the battle for the decisive match of the World Cup. By that time, the Soviet Union prevailed and added another title to its history. However, this time was Brazil who took revenge on that match and also settled accounts with its opponent after losing the World League final at home.

The team coached by Bernandinho proved to be at the top level of the competition and just winners of the tournament. Led by its star player, Giba, and encouraged by its supporters, the South Americans proved to be superiors in the key moments of the match.

In the beginning of the first set, Brazil obtained a quick four points difference, thanks to a solid reception and a good job of its attackers. However, after the second technical time out, Russian block improved. Middle blocker Andrey Yegorchev played at great level and conducted his team to win the set 25-23.

The second set showed Russia very concentrated in the defensive side, during the first minutes. Notwithstanding, Brazilian’s attack got better and the South Americans leveled by winning the second set 27-25. Spiker Anderson, with six points, was the key player for Brazil in the set.

The following set was all for Brazil. Its great defence and creativeness in plays’ setting, allowed attackers to show the ten thousand audience the great level they are enjoying. Giba, Nalbert and Anderson grabbed the third set for Brazil 25-20.

When everything seemed to be lost for Russia, the team coached by Gennadi Chepouline, improved in reception and equaled the game. Six points of Sergey Tetyukhin forced a tiebreaker.

In the fifth set, Brazil had a better star, but due to an excellent defence, Russia tied the score. At that moment looked like Russia would finally prevail; however, Brazil managed to open a two points gap and keep it until the end. Giovane Gavio, with an extraordinary ace scored point number 15 and put an end to the battle.

Then, everything was celebrations for the winners and resignation for the Russian squad. The silver medal is a good prize for a team which had to struggle against its own ups and downs along the tournament.

Hernan Etchaleco PRAVDA.Ru Argentina

Photo: Minto, Championship mascot, congratulates Russian captain Olikhver after the match.

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