Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 29, 2015 – Turkey qualified for the semifinals despite losing Brazil 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-21) in Pool B of the FIVB Men’s U23 World Championship at Al Ahli Club, on Saturday.
Winning only one set was enough for Turkey to finish Pool B in second position and reserve semifinal ticket while Brazil lost their chance to qualify. Turkey will play against Pool A leader Cuba in the semis.
Brazil’s Carlos Eduardo Barreto was the star player of the game with 21 points. Turkey’s best scorer was Emre Senol with 14 points.
The game started well balanced but after Brazil’s 9-7 lead, Turkey scored six points in a row to make it 13-9 with consecutive blocks. Turkey had a comfortable lead at 20-15 and won the set 25-22. Turkey qualified for the semifinals with this set.
Defending champions Brazil stepped up in the second. Turkey coach Emanuele Zanini gave rest to most of his starting six and Brazil did not lose the control during the set. Brazilian team finished as they started and won the set 25-18.
Turkey could not stay competitive in the third set. Brazil’s Carlos Eduardo Barreto and Alan Souza was very effective on the net and they did not let Turkey to close the gap before winning the set 25-19.
Brazil was the better side in the last set. After 14-all, South American team used their advantage on the net to create a comfortable gap. In the end Turkey could not be able to balance the game and Brazil won the set 25-21.