Trieste, Italy, September 24, 2014 – Brazil overwhelmed Cameroon 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-18) in the second match of day two in Pool B of the 2014 FIVB Women’s World Championship at PalaTrieste on Wednesday.
Key Facts
- Brazil beat Cameroon 3-0 also in their only previous meeting at the 2006 World Championship. In that match, Cameroon managed to amass only 35 points, which grew up to 47 on Wednesday.
- This was the second win of the tournament for Brazil, who defeated Bulgaria also in straight sets on Tuesday. It was the second loss for Cameroon who gave in to Canada 1-3.
- Natalia was the top scorer for Brazil with 18 points, including four aces. Christelle Tchoudjang contributed 13 kills for the Cameroon side.
Brazil’s second line-up rushed to an advantage 10-1 in the first set, while the big guns were kept on the sidelines. Cameroon worked hard on every ball, with some superb blocks and intelligent dumps, but just could not hold off the attacks of world number one Brazil. The height advantage of the South Americans at the net was also difficult to match. However, the African Lionesses still roared. Gabriela saved a Cameroon spike with a spectacular bicycle kick, but her attempt fell short. It was point 13 for the Lionesses. Still they lost the set 14- 25.
There seemed to be more fight in the second set, with the Africans generously defending also the undefendable. Tchoudjang saved an impossible ball and wing spiker Bikatal placed a kill on the Brazilian side, but they could not narrow the gap. Brazil kept them at a safe distance throughout the set that was sealed at 25-15.
The spirit among the Cameroon fans was still great, with drums, flags and dancing. Brazil supporters answered with their bright green and gold wigs, with colors and music setting the atmosphere.
In the third set Brazil kept its aggressive tempo. Libero Camila Brait, one of the few players not having rested from Tuesday’s match, was flanked by the point-scoring prowess of Natalia and Gabi. But Cameroon kept fighting and suddenly won a one-point advantage at 9-8 with a great Stephanie Fotso at the net. It was Cameroon’s only advantage in the match that inevitably closed at 25-18.