Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 18, 2016 – Brazil got its third victory in the 2016 World League Group 1 after a hard-fought win over USA. The home team, supported by over 9 000 fans at Arena Carioca 1, counted on a strong service to beat the North American rivals by 3-1 (25-19, 25-15, 22-25 and 25-22).
Wallace Souza, with 18 points, and Ricardo Lucarelli with 17, were the key players for Brazil, but it was USA's Matt Anderson who finished the night with the most points, 19.
With the Arena Carioca 1 sold out, Brazil started the match by repeatedly taking a risk with their service. The risk paid off as USA’s reception faced some difficulties. Wallace Souza shone on Brazil’s side of the net while Matt Anderson and Taylor Sander tried to lead USA to a comeback. The home team’s block made the difference in the opening set, as Brazil won with Ricardo Lucarelli's counter-strike 25-19.
In the second set, the Brazilians came with an even better service and an efficient block and defense system. Éder Carbonera scored two aces and Wallace two kill blocks to extend Brazil’s lead. Team USA seemed lost at times with the constant bombardment of the Brazilian service game. Coach John Speraw switched setters putting Kawika Shoji on the court and called Reid Priddy, but with no effect. Brazil kept the strong service and block to win the set 25-15.
USA got back for the third set playing better while Brazil did not keep the efficiency on the service. Reid Priddy continued on the court and helped the North Americans to take Brazil under control. This time service become USA’s main weapon. David Lee was more precise in block and the visitors were able to maintain a healthy advantage. The Brazilians committed more mistakes than in the two earlier sets. USA eventually took the third set, 25-22.
After winning the third set USA seemed back on track for the fourth. However, Brazil's good service game made a return into the match. David Lee, Taylor Sander and Matt Anderson took USA, put USA in front at the second technical time-out. When the match seemed headed into a tiebreaker, and impressive service streak by Éder gave Brazil the victory with a 25-21 win in the fourth set.
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