Brazil hammer US to keep title hopes at World Cup

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 14, 2003

Brazil hammer US to keep title hopes at World Cup

Brazil hammered the United States 3-0 Friday to keep alive their title hopes at the 2003 women's volleyball World Cup.

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Brazil hammered the United States 3-0 Friday to keep alive their title hopes at the 2003 women's volleyball World Cup.

The Brazilians improved to a 9-1 record with the 25-15, 25-23, and 25-20 win and remained unbeaten since a opening loss to China.With one match remaining in the round-robin tournament, Brazil have secured a top three finish and a spot in the Athens Olympics in 2004.

"I am pleased that we have secured a ticket to the Athens Games," said Brazil head coach Jose Guimaraes. "It's a dream come true and my duty has been accomplished."

"We played consistently today and I think it is the best match we have played at the tournament," Guimaraes added.

Coming off a disappointing 3-2 loss to China on Thursday, the United States had a sluggish start against the South Americans, going down tamely in the first set.

In the second set, the United States got their high-flying attack and blocking going and pulled within 24-23 from a 19-14 deficit. However, Erika Coimbra had a solid smash to clinch the set for Brazil.

The Brazilians opened the third set with a 8-2 lead and never looked back.

"They (Brazil) are very powerful and they played smartly against us," said a disappointing United States head coach Toshiaki Yoshida after his side's second loss in two days. "We could not hold their attacking and serving."

"It's disappointing to lose, we have to try our best tomorrow,"Toshida added.

Virna Dias led Brazil with 15 points and Coimbra added 14.

Slipping to a 7-3 record at the round-robin tournament, the United States had their hopes of grabbing a ticket to the Athens Games diminished. They will play Cuba on the last day of the competition on Saturday.

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