US win surprise victory over Brazil

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

OSAKA, Japan (AFP) — The United States caused the biggest surprise in the women's World Cup volleyball tournament on Wednesday, beating world silver medall ists Brazil to remain undefeated with Italy.

The American women, who have never won a major title, stormed back from two sets down to score a 17-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-9 victory.

It was Brazil's first defeat in five matches.

Meanwhile, European champions Italy, also the world champions in 2002, disappointed a vocal home crowd by beating hosts Japan 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 in Osaka, never going a single point down.

The top three finishers in the World Cup, a 12-team round robin, will qualify for next year's Beijing Olympics.

Tayyiba Haneef-Park was the heroine of the American side, scoring...