USA claim second World League title

FLORENCE, Italy, July 20, 2014 – USA, ranked fourth in the world, beat world No. 1 Brazil in four outstanding sets 3-1 (31-29, 21-25, 25-20, 25-23) to claim their second World League title in front of 9,000 fans at the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy on Sunday.

Taylor Sander and Matt Anderson led the way with 24 points and 23 points respectively but it was middle blocker David Lee who, with a Finals high seven blocks, was instrumental in the win for the Americans, who won their first World League title in 2008. Wallace was Brazil’s best with 16.

"It's unbelievable, unbelievable – I am lost for words," said tournament Best Blocker David Lee after getting his gold medal. "I’m feeling fantastic. We are a great team and our players are very young. Taylor Sander played an amazing game. Guys like him are the future. Tonight really couldn’t have worked better."

For USA, who topped Pool B in the Intercontinental Round with nine wins and three defeats, they become the fourth country to win more than one World League title. They receive $1m in prize money. Brazil received $500,000 for finishing second.

Earlier, Italy beat Iran 3-0 (25-22, 25-28, 25-22) to claim their fourth bronze medal and 15th World League medal overall.