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CALI, Colombia, November 29, 2021.- Brazil will
play for the gold medal of the men’s volleyball
tournament at the I Junior Pan American Games
Cali-Valle 2021 after winning their semifinal
match to host Colombia 3-0 (25-15, 28-26, 25-15)
at Evangelista Mora Coliseum.
Brazil progressed to the title match with a
solid performance and recovering from a
five-point deficit (6-11) in the second set
while controlling Colombia’s dominant attacks
with their masterful blocking, but still Brazil
needing three set points.
Brazil held a 40-31 advantage in kills, a
sizeable 13-6 margin in blocks and 3-2 in
serves. Brazil committed fewer errors than
Colombia (18-22).
Outside hitter and captain Joao Cordeiro was
Brazil’s best scorer with 17 points on 16 kills
and one ace, followed by middle blocker Pietro
Pereira who contributed with 11 points including
8 impressive blocks, the most in the event so
far. On Colombia’s side, outside hitter Carlos
Llanos topped with 12 points on 10 kills and 2
blocks.
Joao Cordeiro, captain of Brazil:
“Colombia played a great second set, there was a
lot of pressure from the Colombian fans, but we
held on and turned the score around. I think
Brazil’s best skill in this tournament is
blocking. Tomorrow will be a great match and we
are going for gold”.
Jorge Mesa, captain of Colombia:
“Brazil has a lot of experience, which was the
big difference. For now they are above us, but
on occasions we were at their level. Tomorrow we
hope the house will bring respect and win a
medal”.
Arnaldo Lorenzo Sevilla, head coach of Colombia:
“We lost the second set because of our lack of
concentration and anxiety of having Brazil down.
The boys did a great job and I am happy with
what they achieved today. Now we think about the
bronze medal, we will fight for it with
everything we have; we will rest the players
after three intense matches”. |
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