Press release

London, Great Britain, August 11, 2012 – Brazil spotted the USA a set then bushwhacked the previously unbeaten Americans 3-1 after rolling through the next three sets like the first one never existed to capture the women’s volleyball gold medal Saturday evening before 13,500 fans at Earls Court at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

With bodies flying and Mikasa’s sizzling, Brazil tenaciously overpowered USA after losing the first set 11-25 the won three straight, duplicating what they did against the Americans in Beijing 2008. Among the many stars shining brightly over the South American country were libero Fabiana Oliveira and top scorer Jaqueline Carvalho.

Brazil’s coach Jose Guimaraes, also known as Ze Roberto, has now won gold with the Brazil’s men (Barcelona 1992) and twice with Brazil’s women (2008, 2012).

After the gold medal match, coach Guimaraes said, “This is a wonderful feeling, it’s amazing. Last year we lost every match against the USA. For me, the USA were the favorites before this match. We played well tactically. After the first set we played really wonderful. We were serving well. We didn’t make mistakes on reception.”

Speaking of the comparison between volleyball and football (soccer) in Brazil, Guimaraes said, “Soccer in Brazil is not a sport, it is a religion, so volleyball is the first sport in Brazil. I imagine the people in Brazil will be very sad about the soccer team losing to Mexico, but very happy about us beating the USA. It’s amazing, it is wonderful.”

America’s Megan Hodge added, “Our matchup was the same as it always has been. I think they really woke up after the first set. They made it a lot more challenging to get back into the game and we didn’t respond very well. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you can’t take it for granted. Silver is very good, gold is just better.”