Brazil opens with victory at U-19 Pan Am Cup

MEXICALI, Mexico, July 11, 2011 - Brazil defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-10) in the opening match of the Boys’ U-19 Pan American Cup.

Flavio Gualberto scored 12 points, and Wagner Silva 8, for the Brazilian team. Cesar Gomez registered 4 on the Costa Rican side.

Brazilian captain Thiago Veloso stated: “it is always good to start with a victory and this was a great match”.

The same opinion was expressed by Coach Percy Oncken, though he emphasized: “It is my first time facing Costa Rica, but is a 2 years a younger team than ours, that made a big difference but they are talented”.

“It was a very hard match for us, but we acquired experience against a taller team with a high level. It really helped us in our learning curve”, said Costa Rican captain, Andres Araya.

The coach of Costa Rica, Henry Rodriguez, said that facing Brazil was a great challenge.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match for us. We don’t have such a great height like Brazil’s but I told the boys to play with courage”.

Costa Rica faces Puerto Rico while Brazil has a bye date this Tuesday.