The first set was very competitive, with the lead changing hands a few times. Eventually, the set was pushed to overtime before middle blocker Nichika Yamada converted Japan’s second set point to a 26-24 close with a monster block. The second set was just as hard fought. The lead kept going back and forth. Japan were the first to open a momentary three-point gap at 14-11. When Brazil managed to do the same, it was already at set point. After some mistaken swings, the set went to the South Americans, 25-22, to level the match.
A couple of long point runs gave Brazil a 9-2 advantage early into set three and practically pre-decided the outcome. Brazil dominated on the court on the way to a convincing 25-16 close, shaped up with a blistering back-row pipe shot by 22-year-old outside hitter Ana Cristina for the set winner. The fourth set brought the fierce battle mode back to the court, but only through 19-19. In the money time, the South Americans stayed more focused, broke away in the score and outside Julia Bergmann nailed the 25-20 match winner from the end line with a pulverizing ace.
