Gallant Thailand mounted a strong challenge against Brazil, world No.3 and bronze medallists at the previous edition in Egypt two years ago, before going down in closely-contested four-setter 19-25, 23-25, 26-24, 23-25 in the playoffs match of the last 16 teams in the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship in Durango, Mexico on Sunday.
Brazil were challenged by Thailand from start to finish. The South Americans recovered from a five-point deficit (10-15) in the first set stunned by the Asians defense. Brazil managed to keep the match under control in a really close finish in the second set, only to lose the third on the same basis of good defense and their own errors. Thailand edged Brazil again in the fourth set, but not enough to force a tie-break.
Brazil’s blocking was crucial in their victory scoring by a huge 17-5 advantage and with a 7-5 margin in serving points. Thailand did better in attacking points 55-47.
Five players led Brazil’s attacking, led by middle blockers Luzia da Silva Nezzo and Julliana Vitória de Andrade with 17 points and 14 points respectively, accompanied by outside hitters Aline Segato Maestri and Nicole Fernandes de Oliveira with twelve points apiece and Larissa Brandäo with ten points.
Outside hitters Ampha Sonsurat and Donphon Sinpho of Thailand led all scorers with 19 points each, both on 18 kills and one ace.
On their rollercoaster performance, Hylmer Do Nascimento Dias, Head coach of Brazil said “Thailand defends really well, from our side there was lack of patience; in height they are lower than us and that played a key part for Brazil to prevail with blocking. If Brazil wants consistency, we need more patience”.
Natthamon Lueangwatthanawilai: “It was an exciting match. We played with heart, we are fighters. Today we had nothing to lose and everything to win. We tried with all we had to keep the scores always close, defended every single point, even attack despite our height difference”.
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