Brazil and Japan face each other in a crucial challenge in the women's league of nations

The Brazilian women's volleyball team returns to the courts this Tuesday, seeking to maintain its impeccable performance in the Nations League (VNL). With four wins in four games, Brazil, led by coach José Roberto Guimarães, will face Japan at 8:30 am (Brasília time) in Macau. The clash promises to be a great test for the Brazilian team, which aims to continue its successful trajectory in the competition.

Zé Roberto: “Japan has the best defense in the world”

The Brazilian coach, Zé ​​Roberto Guimarães, does not hide his concern about his next opponent. In his analysis, he highlights Japan's exceptional defense, which is considered the best in the world. “Japan is an old acquaintance, they have the best defense in the world and a lot of pace. They have great speed on their serve and counterattack by changing the direction of the ball all the time. They use their opponents' hands a lot, especially when entering and exiting network,” evaluated the technician.

This thorough analysis comes after Japan recorded three wins and one defeat in the VNL, demonstrating a consistent performance. The Japanese are known for their speed and precision, especially in attacks from the back of the court, characteristics that require a well-prepared and attentive Brazilian defense.

Recurring and challenging clashes

Brazil and Japan have a recent history of intense and decisive clashes. At the 2022 World Cup, the Brazilian team beat Japan 3 sets to 2 in the quarterfinals. A year later, in the 2023 Pre-Olympics, Brazil secured its place for the Paris Games with another narrow victory by 3 sets to 2 against the Japanese.

Rosamaria, one of the stars of the Brazilian team, emphasizes the difficulty of the game. Having played last season in the Japanese league for Denso Airybees, she knows the quality of Japanese volleyball well. “The Japanese are very skilled. Really, the school in Japan is different. We expect a very tough game. It will be a game of patience, because the ball takes a while to fall. We will need to have vision, communication between the athletes, and that is what we are training ,” commented Rosamaria.

Expectations and preparation

If they beat Japan, Brazil will consolidate the best start in its history in the VNL. Between the 14th and 19th of May, playing at Maracanãzinho, Zé Roberto Guimarães' team beat Canada, South Korea and Serbia, in addition to breaking a five-year fast against the United States. This performance reinforces the confidence and expectations surrounding the Brazilian team, which seeks to continue its victorious trajectory.

For this Tuesday's clash, central Thaisa, absent in the Rio de Janeiro stage due to physical problems, is back. The full list of available athletes includes setters Macris and Roberta; opposite Kisy; wingers Ana Cristina, Gabi, Júlia Bergmann, Pri Daroit and Rosamaria; the central Carol, Diana, Luzia and Thaisa; and liberos Natinha and Nyeme.

With live broadcast on sportv2 and real-time coverage on ge, the game promises to be a volleyball spectacle, with two of the best teams in the world facing each other. The match against Japan is crucial not only to maintain Brazil's unbeaten record, but also to test the team's preparation for future challenges in the competition.

Embed from Getty Images

_{Ana Carolina da Silva of Brazil celebrates with her teammates a point during the Group 2 match between Brazil and the United States as part of the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 (Photo: reproduction/Buddha Mendes/GettyimagesEMBED)}

Brazil enters the court prepared for one of the biggest challenges so far in the VNL.  The team is aware of Japan's defensive abilities and knows that victory will require patience, communication and a solid defense.  With the return of Thaisa and the experience of players like Rosamaria, Brazil is ready to fight for another victory and continue its victorious campaign in the Women's Nations League.
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Featured Photo: JBrazilian players celebrate victory at the end of the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League match between Brazil and the USA (reproduction/Mauro Pimentel/ AFP/Getty Images Embed)