Brazil delights 10,999 fans with five-set victory

(BEIJING, June 15) -- The much anticipated Pool A battle between Brazil and Serbia in the opening weekend of the FIVB World League 2008 did not disappoint, as cheers from 10,999 spectators in Sao Paulo pushed the host team to a 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 15-11 win.

Brazilian spiker Andre Nascimento and Serbian spiker Sasa Starovic led their teams with 26 points each.

Brazil, champions of the 2004 Athens Olympics, has won the last five editions of the World League and is aiming for its eight title overall. Serbia was the gold medal team at the Sydney Olympics and has brought in some young players in preparation for Beijing.

Despite his team's win, Brazilian captain Gustavo Ednres was not satisfied. "Serbian service was great, and we made some mistakes during the game," he said after the match. "Tomorrow I expect that we can play better and reward the support of our fans."