Brazil beat Japan 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-23) - duration 1:27
13-Nov, start time: 18:00, end time: 19:27 - Attendance: 9,600
Japanese coach Yanagimoto ran his now stable mix of youth and experience, height and dexterity against Brazil a team recently solidified under the coaching of Jose Guimares. After some nervous opening minutes the Brazilians quickly found their rhythm and took a handy 20-16 lead. The Japanese played with spirit and heart but they were up against a tough opponent and with excellence in the form of team stables Erika Combria and Valeska Menezes it was an uphill battle against a superior team who secured the first set 25-21. Japan took control of the second set 7-5 with good action from tiny libero Yuko Sana, their agile setter Yoshie Takeshita but Brazil scrambled back to level at 10-all. Captain Tomoko Yoshihara tried to settle her two young attackers Kana Oyama and Megumi Kurihara but Brazil hit the front again.21-18 when Erika unleashed a spike for 22 and they took the second set 25-21. Japan again took firm control of the third set and opened a commanding 16-8 lead but Brazil whittled the lead away and at 18-all were back in the match. Japan made some errors, but converted enough of the action to be again in the lead 23-21. Brazil equalized then dropped a small shot over for match point then ran off winners.
