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Brazil to begin defense volleyball world title against Cuba
(AngolaPress)
Updated: 2005-12-01 10:39
Brazil will begin the defence of their men`s Volleyball World Championship
crown against Cuba in Japan next November, following a colourful drawing of lots
ceremony in Tokyo on Tuesday.
In the women`s event, 2002 world champions Italy will start their campaign
against Serbia and Montenegro.
After the 48 teams -- 24 in each tournament -- had been placed into one of
four six- team groups, FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta gave his approval for the
draw.
"It is valid and final," he concluded, to round off a ceremony that began
with an atmospheric cultural performance and included a touch of glamour
involving Miss Japan 2005, Lisa Kume.
In the men`s tournament, Brazil will play in Pool B with Germany, Cuba,
Greece, France and Australia. Pool A is comprised of Egypt, Puerto Rico, Poland,
China, Argentina and Japan.
In Pool C it`s Czech Republic, Italy, United States, Venezuela, Bulgaria and
Iran, and Pool D is made up of Russia, Tunisia, Canada, Kazakhstan, South Korea
and Serbia and Montenegro.
Looking ahead to the men`s tournament, Italy`s captain and setter Valerio
Vermiglio said the Azzurri were in a very difficult group but they would try
their best to advance.
"We have had a very good experience at the World Grand Champions Cup in
Japan, and we`ll practise hard and do the best we can," said Vermiglio, who took
part in the drawing of lots.
"I thought the ceremony was fantastic," added Vermiglio.
Italy won three straight World Championships from 1990 to 1998, after group
rival the United States had won the title for the first time in Paris in 1986.
Czech Republic, also in Pool C with Italy, won world titles in 1956 and 1966
as the former Czechoslovakia.
Japan`s men missed out to Italy for the bronze medal, behind Brazil and the
United States, at the World Grand Champions Cup in Tokyo on Sunday, and head
coach Tatsuya Ueta said the focus had already shifted to the World
Championships.
"The World Grand Champions Cup is over, and now we are working towards the
World Championships next year," said Ueta. "I felt very excited during the draw
as well as a small amount of good tension."
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