Korea’s Kim Yeon-Koung
The victory earned Korea a 2-1 win-loss record in Pool B while Brazil now stand at 1-2. It was the first victory of Korea over Brazil since the 2003 World Grand Prix snapping a 13-game losing streak to the hands of the Brazilians.
Once again, superstar Kim Yeon-Koung was unstoppable as she topped all the players in the match by scoring 21 points while Han Song-Yi added 16. Brazil’s Sheila Castro finished with 16 points and Fabiana Claudino and Fernanda Rodrigues each closed with 10.
Brazil took the lead in set one, with Sheilla Castro, Thaisa Menezes and Fabiana Claudino sharing the scoring and blocking Korean danger women Kim Yeon-Koung effectively. Korea fought back to 12-12, then took the lead as Han Song-Yi and Yang Hyo-Jin killed effectively. But as Kim Yeon-Koung started to fire, Korea won the set 25-23.
Clever setter and captain Kim Sa-Nee expertly fed HAN and Kim Yeon-Koung as Korea went ahead in set two. But Brazil came back this time, with Fernanda Rodrigues landing some accurate spikes. They tied on 20-20, but Kim Yeon-Koung was the difference between the sides, spiking numerous winners to give her side a 25-20 set win.
The third set was all about Kim Yeon-Koung. Brazil simply had no answer for an outstanding individual who can dig almost as well as her amazing spiking. With the assistance of Han and the setting of Kim Sa-Nee, Korea powered ahead, and the world’s No.2 team were outclassed by the world No.15. They won the set 25-21.
Korea face Turkey in the fourth round of preliminary matches on Friday, while Brazil meet China.
All the results from Olympic matches can be found here:
Volleyball – Men Volleyball – Women
