First Look @ Natalia!

Sadly, Camila Brait who traveled with the team has returned to Brazil since Natalia made the final cut instead of her.

Anyways, we have a feeling Natalia is Brazil’s secret weapon in London. She’s finally jumping and practicing with the team. Something she hasn’t done in the last few months due to that annoying foot injury.

Here’s Natalia plus Fabi and PP4:

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We don’t even where to start…

Let’s start with the injury filled men’s squad of Coach Bernardinho Rezende.

Rumor has it that the only healthy outside hitter on the roster is Thiago Alves while Dante, Murilo and Giba are not 100% OK to play in London. Despite the setback, Coach Rezende has left with no choice but to still take 3 of his most experienced players to London. By the way, whatever happened to Jaoa Paulo Bravo?

Middle blocker Lucas is reportedly not in good shape.

Yikes!

Anyways, the following 12 players will represent Brazil at the 2012 London Olympics:

Setters: Bruninho, Ricardinho
Outside Hitters: Dante, Giba, Murilo, Thiago Alves
Opposite Hitters: Leandro Vissotto, Wallace
Middle Blockers: Lucão, Rodrigão, Sidão
Líbero: Serginho

The one player who is remarkably missing from this roster is THEO. Wallace must have been working hard to take his Olympic spot away.

Now let’s talk about Coach Ze Roberto Guimaraes’ roster.

After dismissing Mari, Fabiola and Juciely from the Olympic roster a few days ago, Ze has cut 2 more players and they are the underrated yet extremely reliable Welissa “Sassa” Gonzaga & libero Camil Brait.

Take note, rumor has it that Sassa or Camila will still go to London just in case something happens to Natalia – who hasn’t played in a long time after a benign tumor was removed from her shin. Ze has so much trust on Natalia that he cut Mari off the team who had been playing with the National Team.

Inconsistent at times but still we think Mari has the edge over Natalia to play in London.

The following 12 players will represent Brazil at the 2012 London Olympics:

Setters: Dani Lins, Fernandinha
Outside Hitters: Fernanda Garay, Jaqueline, Natália, Paula Pequeno
Opposite Hitters: Sheilla, Tandara
Middle Blockers: Adenízia, Fabiana, Thaisa
Líbero: Fabi

There you go Brazilian Fans, these are the players that will represent Brazil in London!

With Team USA as the #1 women’s team and the top favorite to win GOLD, it’s going to take a lot of work and smart setting choices for Brazil to defend their Olympic crown.

As for the men’s team, it’s hard to expect them to win gold because of the injuries. We just hope they medal.

What Do You Think of Brazil’s Rosters?

(source: terra.com.br/ images: FIVB)