Matosinhos, Portugal, July 10, 2016 – Canada’s star player John Gordon Perrin led the North Americans on top of 2016 FIVB World League Group 2 by sweeping hosts Portugal in straight sets 25-19, 25-22, 25-15 in Sunday’s Group 2 final at Centro de Desportos e Congressos in Matosinhos. With their tenth triumph in the last 11 matches in the World League, the Canadians have secured their promotion into the 2017 FIVB World League Group 1.
The Canadian outside hitters John Gordon Perrin (19 points) and Nicholas Hoag (14) contributed 33 kills for the North Americans while Portugal’s captain Alexandre Ferreira scored 11 points for Portugal.
The only Canadian defeat in the World League this season was suffered against Finland on 3 July.
In Sunday’s Group 2 final, the favorites from North America jumped out for an 8-5 lead in the early stages of the opening set. As in Canada’s straight-set semifinal triumph over Turkey on Saturday, outside hitter John Gordon Perrin set the ton on the court. Nicholas Hoag added five inspiring winners to guide the Canadians to an undisputed 25-19 set win.
Hosts Portugal found their rhythm in the beginning of the second set. The team of coach Francisco Santos rapidly led 5-1 and kept the pace until the second technical timeout (16-13). Canada regained momentum at 17-17 as Perrin contributed two consecutive winners for his squad. It was the key moment of the second period with Canada never looking back until 25-22.
Portugal did their best in the third set but could not tie in with their outstanding performance in the spectacular semifinal clash versus the Netherlands on Saturday. Canada rapidly led 20-13, powering towards an unquestionable victory. A Portuguese error offered the North Americans the third set 25-15 and the match 3-0.