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[SPORTS] · Brazil, United States · 69 sources

Brazil men's volleyball team eliminated from VNL first phase

For the first time since the Volleyball Nations League began in 2018, Brazil's men's team failed to reach the competition's final round. The squad, coached by Bernardinho, entered the last matchday knowing a top‑seven finish was required. After a 0‑3 loss to Poland on 17 July in Chicago, the team beat China 3‑0 (25‑16, 25‑20, 25‑21) on 19 July, but the victory was insufficient. Bulgaria’s win over the United States and Ukraine’s points advantage left Brazil in ninth place with 19 points, three points behind Ukraine (23) and out of the quarter‑finals.

Brazil had previously always advanced to at least the semifinals, winning the title in 2021. In the decisive match, outside hitter Adriano led with 13 points, followed by middle blocker Flávio (12) and opposite Darlan (11). Despite finishing last in the group, host nation China will still participate in the quarter‑finals in Ningbo.

The elimination marks an unprecedented setback for a traditionally dominant program and will prompt a reassessment ahead of upcoming South American qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Sources

9 days ago