The US Women's National Team convincingly won the derby against Brazil with a 3:0 (26:24, 25:22, 25:16) victory on the final day of the preliminary phase of the Volleyball Nations League in Osaka. Thus, the Americans finished in first place with 10 wins, 2 losses, and 29 points, while Zé Roberto's squad remained third with 9 wins, 3 losses, and 26 points, after also being surpassed by Italy. The loss came despite Zé Roberto resting his starters in the surprising defeat to Thailand a day earlier.
Brazil started confidently and dictated the pace at the beginning of the first set. Gradually, however, the Americans evened the game, leading to a dramatic finish. At 23:23, the USA got their first set point, but a video challenge brought the score back to 24:24. On the next opportunity, Skinner scored the decisive attack for 26:24.
The second set also started evenly. The Brazilians took a 14:10 lead in the middle of the set, but the Americans quickly caught up and tied at 17:17. After the 20th point, the USA exerted full control and pulled ahead by three points. Brazil got within 22:23, but two consecutive errors, including an attack out by Ana Cristina, handed the second set to their opponent for 25:22.
Until the middle of the third set, the two teams went neck and neck, and Brazil even led 13:10. However, the Americans tied at 14:14 and from that moment on completely dominated. Erik Sullivan's team produced a series of strong serves and blocks, while the Brazilians managed to score only two points until the end of the match. Skinner once again ended the contest with a successful attack for the final 25:16.
The Americans were the better team in all key elements. They finished with 46 attack points against 42 for Brazil, convincingly won the block battle 13:9, and capitalized on as many as 15 unforced errors from the opponent against only 8 of their own. Brazil's only advantage was in aces – 3:2.
Avery Skinner was the top scorer for the winners with 21 points, and Jordan Thompson added 16. For Brazil, Ana Cristina scored 18 points, while Rosamaria finished with 13.
The defeat deprived Brazil of first place in the final standings of the preliminary phase. Instead, "Seleção" will enter the final tournament in Macau as the third seed, while the USA secured the leading position before the draw for the eliminations. The USA's victory did not cause a shift in the world rankings, where the Americans are fourth and the Brazilians second.

photo:volleyballworld.com