Ricardo Lucarelli scored 15 points in their straight-set win over Brazil in the opening match of the 2017 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Grand Champions Cup
Nagoya, Japan, September 12, 2017 – Ricardo Lucarelli charted 15 points to lead Brazil in their 3-0 (27-25, 27-25, 25-22) win over France in the tournament opener of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Grand Champions Cup at the Nippon Gaishi Hall on Tuesday.
Lucarelli made 12 attacks and scored three of the team’s 11 blocks. Lucas Saatkamp added 12 points. Stephen Boyer top scored for France with 11 points. The defending champions made a big difference in the match against the World League champions with lesser turnovers in the three-set clash.
The World Grand Champions Cup encounter is a repeat of the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World League final in Curitiba, Brazil, where the European side prevailed in five sets. The last time Brazil recorded a victory over France was at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Latest VideosFacebookTwitterInstagramMedia GuidesFrance and Brazil started on a high level and had few disparities in their game, which resulted to a deadlock at 24-all. After an exchange of points, Brazil scored on two attacks that sealed the set victory. Both squads went through another tight clash, but Brazil prevailed with the same 27-25 score from Lucas’ service winner. Brazil played with great momentum and did not allow any run by France to close the match in straight sets.