Brazil and Serbia kick off WL final round with straight-set victories

(BEIJING, July 24) -- Reigning Olympic and world champion Brazil defeated Russia 25-23,25-18, 25-15 in pool E of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World League on Wednesday, July 23, to open the final round. Serbia easily beat the United States 25-23, 25-19, 25-17 in pool F.

The top teams from each of the two final-round pools will meet the second place team from the opposite pool in the semifinals.

Brazil, winner of the last five editions of the FIVB World League, showed good skills in the backcourt and matched strong blocking from Russia with equally strong spikes in its victory.

Serbia qualified for the final round by finishing second in pool A behind Brazil, which was guaranteed a spot in the final round as the host. The team overcame a weak start in the first set to tie the United States at 19 and then pushed ahead to take the set 25-23. A combination of serves and blocks kept Serbia in control of the match and helped them to a straight-set win.

"I am pretty satisfied with our game, especially in block and defense," said Serbia's captain Nikola Grbic. "I really hope we can keep this rhythm until Beijing."

Japan will play Russia on Thursday, while the United States will face Poland. The final round concludes on Sunday.