Brazil steamrolls Cuba in battle of undefeated teams

(BEIJING, July 12) -- World No. 1 Brazil defeated Cuba 25-14, 25-15, 25-20 on the fourth day of the FIVB Grand Prix final round in Yokohama, Japan. The victory improves Brazil's final round record to 4-0 and drops Cuba to 3-1, all but guaranteeing that Brazil will win its seventh Grand Prix crown with one day of competition remaining.

"Of course I am very happy about the result," said Brazilian head coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes, "but although we won this game, I do not have any illusions about the Olympics. It is quite another matter, the Grand Prix and the Olympics. The Olympics will be very hard, so we cannot feel perfectly satisfied about this game."

The Brazilians broke the first set open before the first technical time-out, scoring four straight points and taking an 8-4 lead into the break. Cuba called a timeout down 11-18 but couldn't slow down Brazil, which went on to take the set 25-14.

The World No. 1 carried the momentum into the second set, leading from start to finish to win the set 25-15 aided by errors in Cuba's attack. Though Cuba stayed within three or four points throughout most of the third set, they were not able to get any closer, eventually falling 20-25.

"Brazil's serve was excellent, and we could not play our own game," said Cuban captain Yumilka Ruiz, "I have to congratulate Brazil for winning all their games. The next Olympics will be the fifth time for me. It is very important, of course, but it is just a part of my volleyball life. After the Olympics I want to continue playing in the national team."

Brazil will play Japan on the final day of competition, while Cuba will face Italy, who finished in third place and with an 8-1 record after the Grand Prix preliminary rounds. USA will face winless China in the other final day match.