US hand Brazil Olympics setback

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) — America beat Olympic and world champions Brazil 3-0 on Saturday to reach the World men's volleyball League final here.

The United States won 25-23, 25-22, 27-25 and will now face Serbia, who saw off Russia 25-19, 25-19, 25-23, in Sunday's final.

Saturday's defeat was a huge setback for Brazil, the five-time winners of the World League, just two weeks before the Beijing Olympics get underway.

They committed 22 service errors against the Americans who will be playing in their first final after finishing in third place last year.

"We must learn the lessons of this defeat, continue to work and think about the Olympic Games," said Brazil coach Serginho.

© 2008 AFP