Brazil beat Spain 3-1 (25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21) - duration 1:47
13-Aug, start time: 15:33, end time: 17:20 - Attendance: 8,700 Brazil beat Spain 3-1 in a great match
Brazil's opener allowed the home side to take their first tentative step towards retaining the coveted World League title they won last year when they beat upstarts Spain 3-1 in teh opening amtch of the final round in the northern Brazilian city of Recife.The match was not without difficulty for the favorites although the Spanish team started nervously. Both teams were counting on their power serving ability to win points, but this often led to mistakes. Nevertheless it was the strong service of Pedro Suela that was responsible for the Spanish coming from behind to take the second set and make the Brazilians also more than a little nervous. Prenafeta, the Spanish setter, played well with middle blockers Molto and Salvador. As the Brazilian first defense often proved ineffective, the responsibility fell on setter Mauricio, who had to play with the outside attackers. Andre Nascimento proved to be the most devastating attacker for Brazil. . Bu the biggest problem for the Brazilians was the block and it was only in the middle of the second set Gustavo made the first blocker point. The Brazillian team looked harmonious on the court, and emerged the winner, mostly through the side's forceful serves and effective attacks. /mh
