24-Nov, start time: 12:35, end time: 13:40 - Attendance: 5,100

BRA	3	25	25	25	-	-	75
CAN	0	13	17	14	-	-	44

Match Description:

Brazil power to seventh win
Awesome Brazil made it seven wins from seven matches in a classy display of Volleyball against an under strength Canadian side in the opening match of the 2003 Men's World Cup in Okayama on Monday.

The world champions and 2003 World League titleholders went through their complete repertoire in a powerful display against a Canadian side, which rested some of its big men. For Canada, it was all about damage limitation and giving younger players a run while key player Paul Duerden was also making his comeback from an ankle injury. But while it was a tough day in the office, little should be read into the result when looking to Canada's next match against France, a game the North Americans have singled out as a possible win.

However, it is Monday's match, which is first priority and the Brazilian machine was quickly in action opening an 8-4 lead with Giovane's lethal right hand playing havoc with the Canadian defence. The precision setting of Ricardo Garcia was breath taking and allowed the tall timber like Gustavo Endres and Andre Heller easy access to the spike. The wonderful attacking plays was of course, well supported by libero Sergio Dutra Santos, who chased and retrieved most things Canada attempted to launch his way.

Once Giovane had sealed the first set with another whipping spike the South American champions stepped up again and for poor Canada nothing fell their way. There will be some bruised bodies and confidence amongst the Canadian ranks but it was never going to be easy. Brazil displayed some great combinations and by the time Duerden served long on 41 minutes Brazil were two sets up and cruising.

Two consecutive blocks from MIP Andre Heller to put Brazil up 11-6 in the third set illustrated the dominance the green and gold outfit had. The ensuing Canadian time out Brazilian coach Bernardo Rezende simply had nothing to say and once Giba spiked home the winner, the 5,100-strong crowd stood to their feet to applaud a performance, which completed a good workout for the World Cup favourites.

Comments:

REZENDE, Bernardo (BRA, Head Coach)
We came back today. We had a lot of opportunities in attacking, serving and blocking. We were able to employ tactics successfully today. I am happy to see the good attitude of the players towards today's match. We will be able to win the championship if we keep on playing like this consistently.

BITENCOURT, Nalbert (BRA, Captain)
I think we had a very good match. Our serve, block and defense were in good quality, which was the key to today's match. We really do not want to lose this key in the coming matches.

DE ROCCO, Stelio (CAN, Head Coach)
I have two things to say. We were lacking in passion, aggressiveness, powerful attacking and good defense in this qualification match. However, it is fortunate that the player #9 (DUERDEN, Paul) has come back in good shape.

KOSKIE, Scott (CAN, Captain)
We had a good and exciting start, but we lost because of a brilliant display of their ability. What we should learn is their hungry spirit and desire to win. We hope to improve mentally.

Official Result:

Match statistics (P-2) - PDF