Thaisa Menezes was voted Best Blocker at the recent FIVB World Grand Prix
The squad consists of setters Dani Lins and Fernandinha; wing-spikers Fernanda Garay, Jaqueline, Natália and Paula Pequeno; opposites Sheilla and Tandara; middle blockers Adenízia, Fabiana and Thaisa; and libero Fabi.
“We are in a strong group”, said coach Ze Roberto. “Turkey is the team that has evolved the most in recent years and so we need to hit the ground running in our very first match. Soon after that we play against the United States, who have also performed well in recent years. We know what we are up against, but we can be a match for any team in the world.“
Thaisa, voted Best Blocker at the 2012 FIVB Grand Prix, said that Brazil were ready to fight for the gold medal. “Preparation was good”, said the Beijing gold medallist. “Our group is strong and we have a good opening test against Turkey. But the Olympics is a different competition. We’ve spoken to the younger players about not getting distracted and staying focused on our ultimate goal.”
Fernanda Garay, one of no fewer than seven Olympic rookies in the group, said: “Expectation is very high. This is my first Olympics and hopefully we’ll play a good competition. Of course there are goose bumps, but we will have a tough opponent in the opener and we are well prepared.“
