Italy, USA, Brazil volleyball women qualify for Olympics

NAGOYA (Japan)—European champions Italy, the United States and Brazil qualified for the women’s volleyball at the Olympic Games next year by securing the top three places at the World Cup on Thursday.
The Italians outclassed four-time former champions Cuba 27-25, 25-19, 25-16, while the US powered past Japan 25-17, 25-14, 25-20. They will play each other on Friday, with both hoping to win the World Cup for the first time.
Earlier in the day, world silver medallists Brazil whipped world bronze medallists Serbia 25-13, 25-14, 25-21.
Italy have a perfect 10-0 win-loss record, the United States 9-1 and Brazil 8-2, and as the top three in the 12-team round robin competition qualify for the Olympics with a game to go.
Italian captain Eleonora Lo Bianco said: “I’m really happy to win the ticket for Beijing. I think we became stronger and stronger in each match through the tournament, working together. This is the result of how we’ve improved. I’m happy about it.”
“For us, it is a wonderful result. Now tomorrow we have to play the United States and we will try to win this world cup,” said Italy’s coach Massimo Barbolini.
“Every team has something to improve, for sure, but I have to think about it over the following months what we can do, from now to the Olympic Games,” he added.
The US coach, Lang Ping of China, said she felt “relieved and great” since her team had only a short period to prepare for the tournament.
“I think the Olympic Games are a dream especially for all the athletes and coaches. We always want to go. Also Beijing is my home town. I feel like I go home,” said Lang.
“The US volleyball team will go back to the volleyball family. Hopefully, we’ll have a great performance there. China (hosts) is a great team, but for the Chinese, I believe they are very proud of me to bring another great team to the Olympic Games,” she added.
In Komaki, near here, Asian bronze medallists Thailand posted their second win, beating Peru 25-23, 25-22, 25-17. The Dominican Repubolic downed African champions Kenya 25-19, 25-16, 25-18, while Poland defeated South Korea 25-20, 20-25, 25-23, 25-19.

—Agencies