Brazil
Canada, the surprise of the 2013 World League Intercontinental Round will begin their campaign a day later against Russia, while Italy will face Bulgaria in their first match on Thursday.
Canada were the first team to join hosts Argentina in Mar del Plata after topping Pool C for the teams with the lowest world rankings, two weeks ago. Canada came out tops securing their place in the 2013 FIVB World League Finals with a win against Japan.
The top two teams from pools B, Italy and Russia, had to fight hard for their places in the Final while Bulgaria (Pool A) advanced to the Final after beating Poland in the last weekend of the Intercontinental Round. Brazil finished the FIVB World League’s Intercontinental Round at the lead of Pool A, with 25 points (nine wins and only one loss) – a good way to start its campaign for the title.
The 24th FIVB World League saw the competition increase from 16 to 18 teams split into three Pools of six. It is the first time the World League featured 18 teams, having had 16 teams from 2001-2003 and 2006-2012. The World League featured eight teams in its inaugural year in 1990, 10 in 1991 and then 12 from 1992-2000 and 2004-05.
To read more news about this competition click World League 2013.
