BANGKOK Thailand – Brazil dispatched Russia in three sets, 25-22, 25-10, 25-21, to advance to the semifinals in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Grand Prix at Huamark Indoor Stadium on Thursday.
Shiella Castro de Paula Blassioli led the Brazilians with 14 points, including the match-clinching attack, while Thaisa Menezes added 13 and Natalia Pereira chipped in 12.
Brazil swept the group stage after defeating Thailand, 26-24, 25-16, 25-11, on the opening day.
“Everybody played good and we really played good tactics and plays,” said de Paula Blassioli.
“We are happy. We try to win the gold. We know that’s hard but (we also aim) to practice for the Olympic games so now we are in the semifinals. I don’t know yet who we are against but we are happy to be in the semifinals,” she added.
Nataliya Goncharova had 12 points for Russia.
Meanwhile, winner of the match between Thailand and Russia will join Brazil in the next round. Both the Thais and Brazilians carry a 0-1 win-loss card in Group B.
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