As “predicted” by Spiridonov, Iran has defeated Brazil in 4 sets to advance to the Semifinal Round. With this victory, 2013 World League Champion Russia has been eliminated from the Final 4.
Rumor was that Brazil would PURPOSELY lose to Iran to eliminate Russia from the Semifinal Round. According to Brazilian outside hitter, Ricardo Lucarelli, such accusation is stupid.
Source tells Volleywood:
“When Lucarelli heard about the news that they purposely lost against Iran to get rid of Russia, he was annoyed. The reporter who asked him was a bit surprised with his answer. Ricardo said that Brazil would NEVER do such thing. The accusation is stupid. He and his team play volleyball to win and “match fixing” is not Brazil’s thing.”
The source also adds that Iran’s coach told some press members that Brazil DID NOT play their best volleyball versus Iran.
At the post match press conference, Bruno Rezende partly blamed the officials for the result.
“We came to win this match, and we had our chances, but the judges made a lot of mistakes. Now we maybe have to play Italy in the semifinals, which will be difficult – they are a great team. But we will prepare and focus.”
Take note, Brazil really wanted to WIN the match but they still lost to Iran.
Whether Brazil purposely did it or not, it’s over and done. Russian players are on their way home while volleyball fans from all over the world are waiting for the Iran vs USA and Brazil vs Italy Semifinal Matches.
Thoughts?
(image: FIVB)
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