Sergio and Lucarelli celebrate the point as Brazil score their first victory in this year's edition of the World League
Belo Horizonte, Brazil, May 29, 2015 - World No 1 Brazil score a victory in their first World League 2015 match, beating Serbia 3-2 (24-26, 25-17, 25-22, 26-28, 15-11) in front of the home crowd in Mineirinho Gymnasium.
Brazil led by Lucas start the match with a little advantage, but Serbia prove dauntless, patiently chasing the score to take the lead in the second part of the set. Putting pressure on Brazil with their good play both on the service line and block brings Serbia the 22-20 advantage, but the hosting team remains calm and ties the score at 23-23. The double substitution in team Brazil does not help as Serbia win the first set 26-24.
A great play by Lucarelli and Vissotto gets Brazil back on track and helps them to win next two sets. Brazil's libero Sergio secures the team reception allowing his players to follow the tactis and keep the lead, while the level of the game has dropped on the Serbia's side, with several players making mistakes. The hosting team wins the 2nd set 25-17. Both teams play point by point from the beginning of the 3rd set, exchanging balanced serves and blocks, but Brazil dominates in other elements. The game has been clear so far, as the first challenge request takes place after the second technical time out. Serve becomes Brazil's weapon to secure win in the third set when Fonteles scores an ace at 25-22.
The fear of losing the match motivates Serbia to strike back at 6-6 in the 4th set, and going ahead at the 1st technical time-out. Atansijevic steps on the court for the first time, helping Serbia to continue their good performance. Serbia leads 20-16, but Brazil make a come back at 23-23. The game goes point by point, but Atanasijevic scores an ace and Serbia win the 4th set 28-26. Lucas scores in attack taking Brazil 4-3 ahead in the tie-break. Serbia request a challenge, but it proves them wrong and Brazil lead 8-5 while the teams are changing sides. Time out for Brazil when their mistakes bring Serbia close to 10-9. Serve becomes decisive when Fonteles takes his team 14-11 ahead. Brazil win the game 3-2 (24-26, 25-17, 25-22, 26-28, 15-11).
To see the match gallery, read the full match live commentary and post-match comments, visit
match page.