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Brazil down Poland to take lead in Pool B
Brazil celebrate their first win over Poland during this year's 2012 FIVB World League
Sao Caetano, Brazil, June 10, 2012 – Brazil took control of Pool B in the 2012 FIVB Volleyball World League on Saturday as they beat Poland 3-1 (26-24, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23) in front of over 5,000 fans at home in Sao Bernardo, this Sunday.
It was the side's first win over their European rivals in this year's tournament and it moves them top of the group on 21 points with a 6-3 win record in the tournament. It was just Poland's second defeat as they sit on 20 points.
Brazilian opposite Wallace Souza topped the scorers with 23 points for his side. The Brazilian youngster was helped by teammates Sidao and Thiago, who scored 14 and 13 respectively. On the Polish side, the most effective player was Bartosz Kurek with 13 points.
As expected, the start of the match was extremely even and the first two-point lead was claimed by Poland at 13-11 which saw Brazil coach Bernardo Rezende ask for a timeout. With Sidao and Bruno blocking, Brazil reacted and took the lead at 17-16. A serve point from Sidao put the home team close to the victory, but Poland came from behind to reverse it 23-22 with Kurek blocking. In the end, an error from Bartman gave the host the 26-24 win.
The beginning of the second set saw Brazil take the lead, scoring the first two points an they went further ahead at 9-5 with Dante at the serving line. Despite the ups and downs Brazil were able to stay ahead during the whole set, even with four substitutions from Poland, and confirmed their win with captain Murilo spiking to score 25-17.
Poland returned in the third set with Zagumny, Jarosz and Kubiak on the court, but an inspired Thiago scored three points in a row to give Brazil a 12-10 lead. Led by Kurek and Jarosz, the Europeans reacted to achieve a three-point lead close to the end. Brazilians best player in the frame, Thiago, tied it at 22-22 but a spike out from Theo sealed the European win.
With Kosok dominating the net, Poland leapt into a 3-1 lead in the fourth set, but Sidao quickly managed to draw even. With Thiago’s serve hitting the line, the hosts went ahead at 10-7. Wallace and Thiago continued to be effective at the net and they helped Brazil to stay ahead until the end, when Lucas spiked to score the win.
Both Brazil and Poland travel to Tampere, Finland, to play against the hosts and Canada on June 15, 16 and 17, in the fourth and last week of the Intercontinental Round.
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