With six points, two wins and no sets dropped, the Brazilians passed Poland, who have the same six points, but lost a set, to get to first place in Pool B – the two teams are guaranteed in the quarterfinals as the top sides in the pool and will play for first place on Sunday. Japan, who are yet to earn a point in Paris, need to defeat Kenya on Saturday to maintain their chances of advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams.
The 8.62 FIVB World Ranking points earned with the sweep elevated Brazil’s total to 395.42, keeping them in second place, but much closer to leaders Italy, who have 398.88.
Captain Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães was Brazil’s top scorer in the match, leading the team with 17 points (16 kills, one block). Outside hitter Ana Cristina Souza and opposite Rosamaria Montibeller also had solid production, with 15 and nine points respectively.
"Having lost to Japan in the VNL really motivated us for this match," Ana Cristina said. "Not playing in the gold medal match after getting undefeated to the semifinals was really frustrating, but the good thing is that we turned that bad feeling into motivation to come here today and make sure we were going to win. I think today we did a very good job of making them uncomfortable. We studied their game a lot and we knew what we could do to put them into a difficult spot. And I think we grew a lot as a team since the end of the VNL. These first two wins and the performances we had give us a lot of energy to keep going and the confidence to believe we can win gold."
