Brazil Wraps Up Pool B Undefeated to Clinch Semifinals Berth

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 19, 2025. – Brazil defeated Cuba 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-20) to finish Pool B undefeated and secure a spot in the semifinals of the men’s volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025.

The defending champions topped Pool B, followed by Argentina, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. With the result, Brazil advanced directly to the semifinals, while Argentina and Cuba will compete in the quarterfinals.

Cuba showed a strong offensive effort, but Brazil’s blocking advantage (10-4) made the difference, allowing them to counterattack effectively and close the match in straight sets. The South Americans also outperformed Cuba in attacks (42-37) and limited their unforced errors to just 13, compared to 21 by the Caribbean side. Cuba held a slight edge in service points (3-2).

Maicon dos Santos led Brazil’s scorers with 16 points, followed by Guilherme da Silva with 11, while Samuel de Morais and Witallo de Sousa contributed 10 points each. For Cuba, Yusniel González was the top scorer with 11 points, the only player in double digits.

Brazilian team captain Neufeld Samuel Carazzai said after the victory: “I didn’t expect a 3-0 score, but we got it and achieved our goal of qualifying to the semifinals. I think the semifinals will be tough, but it will be another day of competition that we will face with seriousness.”

Cuba’s head coach Dayron Gallego reflected on the pool stage: “We knew this was the toughest group, with the champions and runners-up from each Confederation. I think we lost the chance against Argentina; we were very close. We go into the quarterfinals against Colombia, which is the most important match to be among the top four. I believe the three teams from our group should advance. Today against Brazil, details slipped away against a high-level opponent.”