BRA beats NED 3-0 (15-5, 15-7, 15-3) - duration 0:56 : Not a fault for Brazil !
07/11/98, start time: 15:15 - Attendance: 3,583

Ninth in the former World Championship, the Netherlands qualified by beating Latvia, Poland and Spain, before arriving in Japan. Then, against Kenya and Peru in the preliminary Group A played in Tokyo, Cintha Boersma and her teammates, the deal was realised, even if three sets were lost on the road.

Then came the match against Japan, and, no doubt, the host team was too strong.
So, it was interesting to watch this team against Brazil in the first day of the quarterfinals in Nagoya; Brazil, dominated by Russia in its own preliminary group in Matsumoto, had qualified, winning over the Dominican Republic and Germany - it means these two teams got an absolutely equal ranking.

But, now, this equality has completely disappeared - well known Ana Moser was absolutely everywhere on the court, first of all in attack . Not one of Dutch coach Mathieu's players could block her. On her side, captain Ana Sanglard was perfect in receiving. So, there was no suspense in the three sets, except when the Netherlands lead 2-1 in the second set.

In the third set, all spectators were anxious, waiting for the start of a volleyball match. It was 7-0 for Brazil, before, at last, Huurman succeeded with three aces in a row. But these three points would remain as the only three Dutch points for that set. A few minutes later, a very short Sanglard ace, a Dias' block and a dig of the genius left hander Leila Barros quickly sent Brazil to the end of a too easy match.

Much more important and decisive will be its second match in Nagoya against Japan (6 pm, local time), on the 8th of November - a semi final slot will be assured for the winner at the last whistle of the referee.