Russia was better than Brazil in Pool E at F6
World No. 1 Brazil and Russia have contested five World League finals in the past, with Russia winning in 2011 and 2002 and Brazil taking the honors in 2010, 2007 and 1993.
Both medal matches are a repeat of the London Olympics where Russia beat Brazil for gold and Italy overcame Bulgaria in the bronze medal match.
World No. 1 Brazil qualified for the FIVB Volleyball World League Finals for the 13th time and 11th time in the past 13 editions after beating Bulgaria 3-1 (25-12, 25-17, 23-25, 25-16). The win, Brazil’s 11th in 13 matches in this year’s World League, continued Brazil’s impressive World League record against Bulgaria which now stands at 18:3, including two 3-1 wins during the Intercontinental Round in Brasília.
Olympic champions Russia booked a spot in the FIVB Volleyball World League Finals for the eighth time – and third in four years – after beating Italy in a thrilling 3-1 (25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 25-20) encounter in the first semifinal of the 2013 edition on Saturday.
Russia, ranked second in the world, had won eight of the previous nine encounters across all tournaments with world No. 3 Italy’s 3-1 Intercontinental Round win this year their only victory since the 2008 World League.
Sunday’s 2013 World League bronze medal match between Italy and Bulgaria will take place at 16:30 (local time) followed by the final at 20:00 (local time) between Brazil and Russia.
Listen to the statements of Russian Dmitriy Muserskiy and Brazilian Felipe after the semifinal matches.
See profiles of national teams of Brazil and Russia.
