(BEIJING, August 11) — Brazil went some way towards making up for their heart-breaking defeat at the hands of Russia in the Athens 2004 Olympics when they beat their old rivals 25-14, 25-14, 25-16 at the Capital Gymnasium on Monday.
Brazil now owns the top spot in pool B with two straight-set victories. Serbia, in second place, and Italy, in third, are not far behind — each team has recorded two victories and dropped just one set. Kazakhstan, Russia and Algeria are all winless and will vie for the fourth quarterfinal spot in the pool.
Brazil covered the court very well as they dug out strong Russian spikes and used these defensive stops to prepare them to make counter-attacks. Helia Souza spread out their offence as all her hitters delivered. The Russians were too slow to react on their defense in contrast to the speed and movement of Brazil. Paula Pequeno of Brazil sealed the first set with a spike to make it 25-14.
Welissa Gonzaga of Brazil scored two consecutive aces in the second set as Russia could not react fast enough when receiving. Sheilla Castro hit on the opposite side giving Brazil the set 25-14.
Brazil remained energetic in the third set while Russia seemed to tire. They maintained good rhythm in both defense and attack and finished off the match with a 25-16 win. Russia’s 16 points in the set is the most Brazil has allowed in any set in the tournament so far.
Brazil lost their gold medal hopes at the Athens Olympics when Russia beat them in five sets in the semifinals. Brazil led the fifth set 14-9 but failed to close out the match. The South Americans are off to a sterling start in Beijing.
The next day of Women’s Volleyball competition takes place August 13.