By NIKOLE JAVIER
Wilfredo Leon put on a show and Poland brought Brazil down to its knees, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 25-21, in Week 3 of the men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Friday, July 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Poles needed an extra set to finally take the fight out the Brazilians but it was worth it all as they preserved their immaculate record in the Philippine leg of the tournament.
Leon was a joy to watch as he fired 22 points highlighted by 20 attacks to help Poland improve to 8-2 and rise to the No. 3 spot in the standings behind the USA.
The win was a follow up to their 29-31, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-13 come-from-behind win over Slovenia last Wednesday.
Poland on Wednesday pulled off a 29-31, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-13 comeback win
Bednorz Bartosz and Kurek Bartosz were equally impressive with 11 and 10 points
Though already assured of a slot in the finals phase of the event being the host nation, Poland had left nothing to chance as it played with more passion to the cheers of its fans.
Holding a slim 21-20 advantage in the third set, the Poles went on a blazing 4-1 finish in a run highlighted with booming spikes for a 2-1 set lead.
The fourth set, likewise, was no different as the Brazilians kept their rallies strong but this time, the Poles had answer to their every attack.
“It’s great to beat such a strong team. I think we played one of our best games in the tournament. We’re happy, we can be proud of the result. Still, there are some things we can work on, but like I said, it’s a great achievement. Our coach made some good changes,” said Poland team captain Kurek.
Alan Souza paced the Brazilians with 15 points highlighted by 11 attacks, while Ricardo Ucarelli Souza added 12 points of his own.
Meanwhile, Brazil slid to 7-4 in the standings for the No. 6 spot.
The Poles hope to add world No. 16 Canada to its list of victims in the event backed by Fitbar, Instax Fujifilm, Fitness First, Pasay City, Taguig City, Diamond Hotel, Maynilad, Peugeot, SM MOA Arena, The Look Company and The Moment Group with Cignal, RMN, DOOH, One Sports, One Sports+ and Mega Mobile as media partners.
Brazil shoots for revenge against China on Saturday.
In the other game, Yuri Romanò stepped up to help Italy sweep Slovenia, 25-13, 25-22, 25-17.
The Italians hardly broke a sweat and cruised to a 3-0 card in the Philippine leg of the tournament as they improved 8-3 in the standings for the No. 3 spot.