In a thrilling quarterfinal at the FIVB Men\u0019s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals in Ningbo, eastern Zhejiang Province in the Chinese mainland, fourth-ranked Brazil overturned the host squad to advance with a 3-1 victory.
The Brazilians arrived at the knockout stage fresh off an 11-1 preliminary record and a 3-0 sweep over the hosts in Chicago. Yet the Chinese mainland team came out firing in set one, erasing an early deficit to claim it 31-29, powered by six blocks and strong floor defense from Wen Zihua, Yu Yuantai and Li Yongzhen.
Coach Vital Heynen praised the hosts\u0019 fight: "I\u0019m more than satisfied\u0014I\u0019m proud of the team. At the beginning of the VNL, we struggled to defend, but today we were amazing. I\u0019ve never seen them fight like this."
Momentum swung in set two as Brazil rattled off nine straight points, turning a 17-14 deficit into a 25-19 win. They dominated set three 25-16 and closed out the match 25-21 in the fourth, with Alan Souza topping the tally at 26 points for Brazil, while Wen Zihua led the hosts with 15.
"The only problem is we don\u0019t know how to win," Heynen admitted. "I see big steps forward, but we have to be fair: Brazil is several steps ahead. Still, our fighting spirit is what matters. Sport is about giving everything, and my guys did just that."
With seven weeks until the World Championship in the Philippines, Heynen remains optimistic: "If we play like this and lose, I have no problem\u0014this is the way we need to compete."
Meanwhile, Italy overcame Cuba 3-1 earlier to secure a semifinal spot. France will face Slovenia, and Japan meets Poland in the remaining quarterfinals on Thursday.
Reference(s):
Brazil rally to beat China, advance to Men's VNL Finals semifinals
cgtn.com
