Brazil beats Russia to win its first World title

Associated Press, Buenos Aires

Brazil defeated Russia 3-2 on Sunday to win the World Volleyball Championship for the first time in its history.

In a match that swung back and forth, Brazil finally won 23- 25, 27-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-13.

The crucial point came after 2 hours and 13 minutes of play, when Giovane produced a perfect serve that flew between two Russian players at the net and landed just inside the sideline.

Brazil's top player was captain Nalbert Bitencourt, who notched up 23 points for his team. Serguei Tetioukhine was Russia's most effective player in the final, scoring 23 points.

After the game, three of the players climbed onto the referee's chair to salute their fans and celebrate the victory. Others carried Brazil's green and blue flags onto the court, while coach Bernardo Rezende passed among his players hugging and congratulating them.

Moments later, a jubilant Rezende told reporters "this was a brilliant game. We have made history."

Sunday's victory was a long awaited revenge for Brazil, who in 1982 lost in its first ever final also against the Soviet Union.

Brazil reached the final after beating world champion Italy 3- 2 in the quarterfinals and then defeating title favorite Yugoslavia 3-2 in the last four.

The South Americans had earlier ended second in its first round group and then topped its second round table, suffering just one loss six games.

Russia, which as the Soviet Union had won this tournament six times, advanced to the final after beating Greece 3-0 in the last eight and France 3-1 in the last four.

On Saturday, France defeated Yugoslavia to pick up the bronze medal.

Italy, champions of the last three tournaments, picked up fifth place Sunday, after beating host Argentina 3-2.

The United States, which finished top of its first round group after beating Brazil, Venezuela and Egypt, was eliminated in the second round.

The World Volleyball Championship is held every four years. This edition, its 15th, saw 24 teams compete over two weeks in six Argentine cities for volleyball's most important prize.