Indians falter at final hurdle

India put up a spirited show, matching Brazil in every department of the game. But it was not enough to upset their rivals, for whom it was sweet revenge after the 21-25, 21-25, 25-22, 20-25 loss in the league phase of the championship.

India failed to raise their game at vital moments in all three sets and looked a jaded lot after playing tough matches against Puerto Rico and Iran in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively. However, India did not yield any advantage to the Brazilians and matched them point for point.

The scoreline in the first two sets was indicative of the stiff fight put up by India. Brazil could not take more than a two point lead throughout the first two sets, which they won. India also paid dearly for not holding onto their service games, a weakness that had surfaced in their earlier matches.

In the third, the Brazilians coordinated better and their court coverage was excellent. The teams were level on 8-8, 11-11 and 17-17. Brazil then raised their level of play and reeled off four points in a row. Alvesthiag Soares and Carvalho Danilo combined well to block Sanjay and Srikanth for points. Once they went in to a 21-18 lead, the match was almost as good as over, though India managed to collect two more points.