 Casablanca, Morocco, July 15, 2007 - Brazil became the 2007 Men's Junior World Champions the third time, after a stunning 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-19) victory in the final in Casablanca, over defending World and European Champions Russia, on Sunday. The victory was not only another impressive addition to the collection of championship titles for Brazil, including the World League crown, but it was a sweet revenge on the team to whom they lost in the 2005 Junior World Championship final in India. The South American champions landed their first Men's Junior World title in 1993 in Argentina before repeating this superb performance 2001 in Poland.
Against mighty Russia, Brazil got solid performances from their starters including hard-hitting William, Da Costa and Deivid Costa. Nevertheless, Russia put the fight thanks to their strong back-court game and Maxim Mikhaylov’s fast spikes. Brazil took the command from the start, with spectacular spikes and efficient blocks to win the three sets and the gold medal. After the win, the Brazilian players hugged each other, jumping with great joy and laughter. As the Brazilians were overjoyed with the third world title, Russia left the battlefield with their heads low, in great despair.
Earlier, Iran had downed Italy 3-1 (27-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-17) to finish in third place winning their first World Championship medal ever. The Iranian celebration was very emotional and supported by hundreds of fans that gathered here in Casablanca. Iran’s Ali Najafi was the best scorer of his team with 13 points.
In Rabat Argentina overpowered Bulgaria in three sets (26-24, 25-15, 25-20) to take the fifth spot. In the seventh place play-off, USA powered past Cuba 3-1 (30-28, 20-25, 25-23, 25-20). In the morning matches in Casablanca, Slovenia beat Egypt 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16) for the ninth position and Japan edged hosts Morocco 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 25-21) for the 11th position and 12th position.
Individually, Brazil was honoured with the choice of Deivid Costa as the Most Valuable Player of the World Championship.
Individual Awards 1. Best Scorer – Matteo Martino with 116 points (Italy) 2. Best Spiker – Matteo Martino (Italy) 3. Best Blocker – Deivid Costa (Brazil) 4. Best Server – Maxim Mikhaylov (Russia) 5. Best Digger– Roman Martynyuk (Russia) 6. Best Setter– Davide Saitta (Italy) 7. Best Receiver– Matteo Martino(Italy) .
Final Rankings 1. Brazil 2. Russia 3. Iran 4. Italy 5. Argentina 6. Bulgaria 7. USA 8. Cuba 9. Slovenia 10. Egypt 11.Japan 12.Morocco.
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