In the other match of the day in Chiang Mai, Greece topped Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-19, 25-13, 23-25, 25-14) to score their first World Championship victory in 23 years. With the results, Brazil got to five points and secured their spot in the elimination rounds. France, with four points, and Greece, with three, will decide the other team qualified in a direct duel on Tuesday. Puerto Rico are eliminated.
Brazilian star captain Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães led the team with 18 points (13 kills, five blocks), one more than fellow outside hitter Júlia Bergmann, who registered 17 (14 kills, two blocks, one ace), including the game-winner. Opposite Rosamaria Montibeller had a great performance off the bench, producing 14 points (11 kills, three blocks), all within the last three sets.
“France played a really impressive match today,” Gabi recognized. “They pushed us at the start with their serving and blocking, and were very smart in attack. When we started pushing with our serving and adjusted our blocking and defense, things got better for us. Matches in the World Championship are like this, and we need to be ready. We never gave up and the players who came off the bench helped a lot. I hope that this continues to make a difference for us.”
