European champions Perugia needed to win only two sets against the Brazilians to advance in Pool B, but played a solid match to secure their third victory in Belém and end pool play undefeated. With the three points earned against the defending champions, they got to eight and are guaranteed to end pool play in first place. Japan's Osaka Bluteon, who have four points, are also qualified and will get to the semifinals in second place regardless of the result of their match against Libya's Swehly Sports Club on Thursday, at 13:30 local time (16:30 UTC).
Polish world champion outside hitter Kamil Semeniuk was in great form on Thursday and led Perugia to victory with a match-high 16 points (12 kills, three aces, one block). Argentine Olympic medalist middle blocker Agustín Loser added 12 (seven kills, four blocks, one ace), while Ukrainian outside hitter Oleh Plotnytskyi contributed ten (eight kills, one block, one ace).
"We're happy because Cruzeiro is a historic Brazilian team that always plays very well, and the match wasn't easy," team captain and setter Simone Giannelli said. "We were able to play our game, kept our focus even in the complicated moments, and these are things we need to keep going forward. We're pleased to be among the best four teams, but we know we can still improve in some areas, and we'll try to do it."
