Gdansk, Poland, August 18, 2010 – European champions Poland marked the inauguration of a state of the art Arena Ergo in Gdansk with a sensational 3-2 (25-21, 25-18, 14-25, 17-25 19-17 over world No. 1 Brazil on Wednesday. It marked only the second time the World League title holders and world champions have lost in 2010. The first was in Brasilia during the World League on June 12 against the Netherlands (3-0). Until then, Brazil's last defeat was against Finland, also in the World League in July, 2009.
With legendary Brazilian coach Bernardinho looking to secure an historic 300th victory in charge of the Brazilian men’s team, it seemed as though he would have to wait until the next match with Poland racing to a 2-0 set lead. Suddenly though, with their backs against the wall, Brazil fought back. 8-1 ahead at the first technical time out Murilo completed the third set victory at 25-14 before repeating the effort in the fourth set.
In the fifth and deciding set, Brazil were in the ascendency, leading 16-15 but in remarkable scenes, Poland’s block came to the fore to clinch the set 19-17 to spark dramatic celebrations.
TEAMS
BRAZIL - Bruno, Vissoto, Rodrigão, Sidão, Murilo and Dante. Libero - Mario Jr.
In - Marlon and Théo
POLAND - Nowakowski, Winiarski, Gruyszka., Zagumny, Kurek and Mozdzonek. Libero - Ignaczak
In - Wlazly, and Lomacz Bakiewicz
With both teams using this as preparations for the 2010 FIVB Men's World Championship, which starts in Italy on September 25, Brazil now stays in Poland, but heads to Bydgoszcz, where they will play the eighth edition of the Hubert Jerzy Wagner quadrangular tournament which takes place from Friday to Sunday and will also feature teams from the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and the hosts.
Thirty minutes prior to Wddnesday's match an official opening ceremony of the Arena Ergo took place with the participation of national and local authorities, including the Presidents of Gdansk and Sopot - host cities, Mr. Lech Walesa – former President of Poland, Mr. Jerzy Buzek – President of Parliament of EU and Poland Volleyball Federation President and FIVB Board of Administration member Mr. Miroslaw Przedpelski.
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