Press release

Defending champions Brazil recorded a hard-fought tie-break victory (25-17, 24-26, 27-29, 25-22, 15-7) over Poland on the second day of second-round Pool F play at Baskent Sports Hall in Ankara on Wednesday night to keep their hopes alive for the semifinals.

World No. 1 entered the match on the back of their first defeat of the tournament, against Serbia on Tuesday, but they came from behind to win in extremis against opponents who had won their previous clash, against Japan. 

Tournament’s top scorer Gabriela was prominent in attack for the South Americans, using her amazing leaping ability to repeatedly pound the opposition, and she finished the match with 28 points. 

Captain Raquel and Rosamaria also made a significant contribution to the win, which puts the Brazilians in a good position to qualify for the semifinals with their last duel versus Japan on Thursday night. 

Poland jumped out for an 11-9 in the first set, before Brazil made a tremendous effort to move the scoreboard to 14-11 in their favor. Gabriela, who scored six points in the first set, contributed with several remarkable winners from the left. At the second technical break, Brazil was still three points in front, 16-13. Poland tried their best, but the defending champions proved too strong. Rosamaria closed the set out 25-17.

Poland battled back and gained a 19-12 advantage in the second set on a nice option play spike from Martyna Grajber. Some rallies later, the Poles even led 23-15, but couldn’t conclude. The young Brazilians strung together eight points in a row to draw level 23-23. However, it was not good enough. Polish Ewelina Janicka clinched the set with a monster block 26-24.

The Poles carried the momentum into the third installment, taking an undisputed 16-11 lead at the second technical timeout as they forced Brazil into several misplays. However, as in the previous set, a 24-19 lead was not good enough to close it out. The Brazilians bounced back strongly by saving not less than eight (!) set balls, but eventually came off again second best 27-29. 

The fourth set was again tight all the way, as both sides pressed to gain the upper hand. Poland led 8-4 at the first technical timeout, but world No. 1 kept cool to turn the tables 16-14 at the second break. Poland were trying hard to finish off the Brazilians and dash their hopes for the semis, but failed. It was Brazil who claimed the set 25-22.

Brazil’s Carla served seven times in a row from 2-4 to 9-4 to give her team a comfortable lead in the deciding set. Poland, mentally tired after their notable efforts in the previous sets, lacked of power to bounce back. A Polish misplay offered Brazil a hard-fought 3-2 win with still three teams fighting for two semifinal spots in Pool F.