17-Nov, start time: 15:05, end time: 16:47 - Attendance: 2,150

FRA	1	26	21	20	22	-	89
BRA	3	24	25	25	25	-	99

Match Description:

Brazil Fight Back to Down France
Brazil sent out a clear message of intent as they fought back from a set down to defeat France 3-1 in their World Cup tie at Site B in Nagano. The South American and World League champions won 24-26, 25-21, 25-20, 25-22 for their second victory in two games.

In a tense first set there was little between the teams, although France held a slender lead until Brazil drew level at 22-22 thanks to the offense of Giovane Gavio. But two pieces of magic from Stephane Antiga turned the tide France's way - a winning drop shot followed by a faint serve Brazil failed to cover.

Brazil's service tightened up in the second, but it was not until a faked winner from Ricardo Garcia, which he followed with a block, moved them three clear at 16-13 on the way to drawing level with a spike from Gustavo Endres.

There was greater urgency to Brazil's play at the start of the third, with Anderson Rodrigues leading the way with some powerful offense aligned to superb team defense. Leading 11-6, the South Americans' tails were up and France appeared to have lost some composure, at least one of them distracted by the unsporting behavior of some Brazilian fans.

Brazil comfortably saw out the set, and although the French showed admirable fighting spirit, typified by Frantz Granvorka's selfless dive into the courtside barriers, they were gradually worn down. Captain Nalbert Bitencourt came more and more into the game as Brazil secured their second victory.

Comments:

"France showed incredible defense and we hope to learn a lot from them in that area. It was very tense at the start and they put us under a lot of pressure with their serve. We started playing better from the second set, but I still do not think we managed to play our best. We were too anxious. But I am very happy to have got through what was a very tough situation."
BERNARDO REZENDE
Head coach, Brazil

"I've admired the way France play for a couple of years now and I'd like to congratulate the Brazilian team for the way they came back from a set down. It was a great performance."
ANDERSON RODRIGUEZ
Brazil

"The best team won today. Brazil have always had a great offense but today they also proved that they have a great defense. After the first set they maintained the pressure on us throughout and we found ourselves running behind them."
PHILIPPE BLAIN
Head coach, France

"Brazil were very focused. I'm a little sad because we did not play to our best level. We were unable to keep the pressure on them. But bravo to the Brazilian team."
DOMINIQUE DAQUIN
Captain, France

Official Result:

Match statistics (P-2) - PDF