What a show! Playing very well in front of a packed Maracanãzinho, Brazil beat the United States by 3 sets to 1 (25/22, 25/16, 18/25 and 25/19), on Friday evening (17), obtaining the third victory followed and took the isolated initiative of the VNL. It was the Brazilian team’s first triumph against the North Americans in five years, ending a run of seven consecutive matches.
Strong in the first two matches of the competition, but without emotions after the negative record against the United States, Brazil entered Friday’s duel with a mix of uncertainties. But all this was left aside on the pitch. Faced with the chilling atmosphere of the Maracanãzinho, the Brazilian players enter with great determination and dominate the North Americans.
The game
Brazil started the match with: Gabi, Diana, Roberta, Ana Cristina, Júlia Kudiess, Rosamaria and Nyeme (L). Macris and Kisy entered the 5-1 turnaround in the latter part of the second set and returned to the court at the start of the third set. Pri Daroit also got into action in the final stretch of the third set, while Carol played in the fourth set.
Gabi was the top scorer of the game, with 22 points. There were 19 attacks, one block and two serves. Ana Cristina, protagonist of the first two games, was also well used and scored 13 points. Júlia Kudiess scored nine points, Rosamaria eight and Diana seven. As for the Americans, Larson scored 16 points, while Skinner and Frantti scored nine each.
With the result against the USA, Brazil reaches three victories in three matches. With nine points added, the team appears at the top of the VNL standings. The USA, however, suffered their second defeat in three games. To close the first week, the team led by José Roberto Guimarães will play again on Sunday (19th), at 10am, against Serbia.
Devastating start
The United States scored the first two points of the match, but Brazil quickly took the lead after a great serve from Gabi, who contributed five straight points. The fans also made a difference by keeping the players’ intensity high. By the time Brazil reached 12/6, the USA had already called two technical timeouts, which were of little use.
Brazil continued well on serve and Gabi and Ana Cristina were very active in turning the ball over, as was Rosamaria. Brazil reaches 20/16, the USA closes the difference to two points and Zé Roberto stops the match. In the return, the Brazilian team reopened and obtained five set points. After wasting three, Ana Cristina took responsibility and closed the set at 25/22.
Maintaining the same momentum, Brazil responded well in the second half, with good serves and efficiency in turning the ball over. The United States, however, remained close to the score early in the set. It was only after the tenth point that Brazil lost the lead, with excellent serves from Júlia Kudiess. From then on the yellow-greens become dominant and open up to close at 25/16.
American reaction, but Brazilian victory
The American team came back better in the third set. The team improved their defense and, in return, saw Brazil slow down. The result was an 11/5 lead for the Yankees. Zé Roberto then reversed the 5×1 and put Macris on the field. The setter started calling Gabi, who took responsibility and made the difference.
Brazil reaches the equalizer at 13/13, but the reaction stops there. With a strong net, the United States regained control of the set and quickly opened a three-point lead. Gabi began to be well marked and stopped at the American blockade. Zé canceled the 5×1 reversal, but the Yanks still maintained the advantage and managed to win the partial 25/18.
The fourth set had a very balanced tone. One team opened, the other tied. When the United States was winning 14/13, Carol entered the game, replacing Diana. From then on, Brazil scored three points in a row and took the lead and reached 16/14. The Brazilian block increases with Carol in the net and the Brazilian lead increases to five points. In the end, an attacking error by the North American team decreed the yellow-green victory 25/19.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
