Bologna, Italy, September 23, 2018 - Brazil came back from 0-2 to 3-2 in their last match in Pool F at the FIVB Men’s World Championship. The reigning Olympic champions edged the team of Belgium on Sunday and on Monday will travel to Turin, in order to prepare for the final and most important phase of the tournament.
Renan Dal Zotto, head coach of Brazil: “Winning today was very important and also giving some time on the court to the ones that are not starting players was our priority. It went good for us and we are very happy. Everybody in my team is ready to help at any moment. This is the World Championship and it is good to know that everybody in the team can contribute somehow, to fight. We are finding the right rhythm. The toughest moment of the Championship is getting closer; the level is really high. We are leaving for Turin, being ready. It was important to give some rest to Bruno, Lucas, Lipe.”
Eder Carbonera, player of Brazil: “This victory over Belgium is a good signal for us. This matchup was an opportunity for the players that have not been playing so much to show what they can do. It was a strange beginning, but then things got better. It was a nice win and we will go to Turin to reach the semi-finals. All the six teams there are really strong: but we are strong too and we are ready.”
Andrea Anastasi, head coach of Belgium: “I am not disappointed, because I think that after two amazing sets, Brazil started to play better and better and to be honest we can’t achieve this level of volleyball. They play much better than us and they are in control of the game at any moment. At this stage, we cannot compete against them. Finishing in second place in Pool F is amazing for us, since it means we are in the Top 8. Now I have a lot of information for my team and this is very important for me. I do not think Brazil are the big favourite in Turin. There will be six amazing teams and it is not going to be easy for anybody.”
Sam Deroo, captain of Belgium: “Brazil made some changes in the third set and it changed the way things were unfolding. We needed some time to get used to their rhythm. In this Brazilian team, there are the top players of the Brazilian championship that is really strong as well. They all have their qualities and you can see that during the match they are able to raise the level. Maybe we got a little bit tired as well at some point of the match. We showed some nice actions, nice volleyball and I am proud of the team. Of course, we are not happy to finishing with a loss, but overall we can be satisfied. The fight in the Final Six will be for sure very interesting, it is going to be a close game and I wish I could have been there, but this time we will be watching from our homes. However, we made a big step at this World Championship and the experience here will be helpful for us.”
Pieter Verhees, player of Belgium: “We can be satisfied with the way we performed in the tournament – five victories and three losses is a good balance for us. Being among the top eight teams is a good achievement for our country.”