Brazil secured a spot in semifinals defeating Chile

CALI, Colombia, November 27, 2021. - Brazil secured their spot in semifinals after defeating Chile 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-23) the men’s volleyball tournament of the I Junior Pan American Games Cali-Valle 2021 being at the Evangelista Mora Coliseum.

Brazil kept their undefeated (2-0) mark in pool B after overcoming difficulties in closing the second set missing three set points and the third set missing four match points, but sealing their way into the semifinal round. Chile has an 0-2 record.

Brazil prevailed 49-31 in attacks and 4-0 in serves, and Chile controlled the blocking with a comfortable 10-6 margin. Brazil handed out 24 points from errors and Chile a total of 15.

Opposite hitter Guilherme Sabino led Brazil with 17 points all on kills, outside hitter Adriano Fernandes collected 16 points, 13 on kills, 2 on blocks and one ace, followed by outside hitter and captain Joao Cordeiro with 12 points all on kills. Outside hitter Rafael Fuentes topped Chile’s scorers with 13 points on 10 kills and 3 blocks.

Brazil resumes the preliminary round against Mexico and Chile plays Dominican Republic.

Guilherme Sabino, top scorer of Brazil: “Chile´s pressure in the last two sets was an important test for our team, we overcame difficulties. As a team we still need to adjust more because we didn’t have much time to practice and I believe with each game it will make a difference”.

Joao Cordeiro, captain of Brazil: “Chile has many qualities and it was more difficult than yesterday’s match. Our team was able to solve and win. Now we will study Mexico and get to know them for tomorrow’s match, we will look to win the group but today we secured being in semifinals”.

Rafael Fuentes, top scorer of Chile: “We knew it was a complicated match. Obviously it’s not the result we expected, nevertheless the entire group has a good feeling and we will play our next match with the same energy”.

Daniel Nejamkin, head coach of Chile: “Brazil’s experience was visible and our lack of experience too but I am pleased with my team's performance; we played much better than yesterday and our nerves of debuting are over”.