MACAO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sheilla Castro scored 18
points to help Brazil win over Poland 3-1 in the 2009 women's Grand Prix Macao
leg on Saturday, while China rallied from one set down to beat Thailand 3-1 to
clinch its second victory.
The two teams will play against each other on Sunday,
the last day of the tournament.
"Brazil is one of the best teams in the world, and
they keep a good balance in their attacking and defending. We will try our best
tomorrow," said the Chinese head coach Cai Bin.
Brazil got the first two sets 25-22 and 25-9 before Poland won the next one 25-13.
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Natalia (R1) and Carol Gattaz (R2) of Brazil block the ball during a match between Brazil and Poland at the Macao leg of the 2009 FIVB World Grand Prix in Macao, south China, Aug. 8, 2009. Brazil beat Poland 3-1. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) Photo Gallery>>> |
"Poland's serve caused much trouble for us in the
third set, and they played very hard." said Guimaraes. "Poland has international
competition experience, and they are a strong team in Europe."
Brazil came back in the fourth set and got the final
victory with 25-15.
Marianne Steinbrecher contributed 15 points for
Brazil. Joanna Kaczor scored 12 points for Poland while Agnieszka Bednarek added
11.
"Brazil is an all-time top team in the world. I am happy that we won one set today. So far, I don't think we can beat Brazil." said Jerzy Matlak, the head coach of Poland.
The Chinese, who saw a cut-throating opening victory over Poland 3-2 on Friday, managed to win over Thailand 3-1.
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China's Ma Yunwen (R) smashes the ball during a match between China and Thailand at the Macao leg of the 2009 FIVB World Grand Prix in Macao, south China, Aug. 8, 2009. China won the match 3-1. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) Photo Gallery>>> |
Led by Pleumjit Thinkaow, Thailand jumped to 22-18
lead in the opening set. China managed to catch up 25-25 with a 6-3 run, but
Wang Yimei's serving error gifted Thailand 26-25.
Thinkaow's spike from middle of the net helped
Thailand took the set point and the opener 27-25.
China rebuilt its defense system and fought back
strongly in the following sets as they totally destroyed Thailand's defense.
Ma Yunwen and Wang Yimei combined to take 35 points
as the Chinese team showed overwhelming power on net and took the following
three sets, 25-19, 25-17 and 25-19.