Hosts Brazil bounce back from opening defeat to secure vital win over United States at FIVB World League final event

Hosts Brazil kept their pursuit of a last four place alive with a four-set win over Italy ©FIVB

Host nation Brazil bounced back from defeat to France in their opening match with a crucial four-set victory over defending champions the United States on the second day of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World League final event at Maracanãzinho in Rio de Janeiro.

The Brazilian team are widely-expected to reach at least the final on home soil but defeat to the American side would have seen them exit the competition in the group phase.

They were, however, able to keep their hopes of qualification from Pool I alive with a vital win against a US side who will still fancy their chances of sealing a second consecutive FIVB World League crown.

Brazil started as they meant to go on by claiming the first set 28-26, with Lucas Saatkamp demonstrating his attacking intentions from the outset.

The US hit back though and restored parity by winning the second 25-22, but it proved to be a fleeting success for the American team as they fell behind once again when Brazil clinched the third by the same scoreline.

The hosts then went on to secure victory as they battled to a 27-25 win in the fourth set and they are now relying on France to beat the United States in the final group game to progress to the semi-finals.

“The most positive aspect of the match today was the change of the attitude of the team,” Brazil head coach Bernardo Rezende said.

“After we lost the game against France we had the courage and a positive attitude to play against another outstanding opponent, the USA.

“Today we had a very good counterattack, the block was not so good and the serve we still need to improve.”

Poland began their FIVB World League final event campaign with a 3-1 win over Italy ©FIVB

In the other match to take place at the event today, reigning world champions Poland got their pursuit of a maiden FIVB World League title off to the perfect start with a 3-1 win over Italy.

The Poles dominated the opener, claiming it by a comfortable 25-15 scoreline, and they moved to within one set of victory by sealing the second 27-25 in what proved to be a much tighter affair.

Fresh from a thrilling five-set success in their first match against Serbia, Italy halved the deficit by winning the third set 25-20, but they were unable to deal with the Polish side who completed victory thanks to a 25-20 triumph in the fourth.

Tomorrow’s action at the event, which doubles as a test event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, is due to see the US go up against France, needing a win to stay in the tournament, while Poland face Serbia, knowing victory will seal their place in the last four.