Qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games. Men
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Group A
October 5 (Thursday). The fourth round
Brazil - Ukraine - 3:2 (36:38, 25:20, 21:25, 25:18, 15:11)
The starting line-up of the national team of Ukraine: Poluian (scored 18 points), Synytsia (9), Semeniuk (12), Shchurov (5), Kovalov (20), Tupchii (18), Boiko (l), Kanaiev (l). Substitutes: Kucher (0), Plotnytskyi (3).
Starting line-up of the national team of Brazil: Saatkamp (scored 10 points), Lucarelli (15), Alan (8), Adriano (3), Flavio (17), Resende (2), Tales (l). Substitutes: Darlan (23), Onorato (5).
The starting set seemed difficult for both teams. At first, the Ukrainians were playing the role of catching-ups (10:12 to 9:23). But Illia Kovalov and Vasyl Tupchii were not going to give their opponents the set so easily (23:23). After this score, there was an incredibly spectacular part of the set: the teams played until the first error (36:36). Kovalov launched another attack, and setter Yurii Synytsia served an ace and 38:36. The first set was in favor of Ukraine.
The success in the previous set gave strength to the wards of Ugis Krastinš: they immediately broke out in the score (4:1). And then several own mistakes and Darlan's crazy game led first to an even score (13:13), and then to a change of the leader (13:16). This set was also completed by Yurii Synytsia with his serve, but this time by directing the ball into the "out" - 20:25.
After the lost set, the Ukrainians seemed to have only strengthened their desire to win this match. At first, the score was equal (3:3), and then +2 points of advantage for the "blue and yellows", which they firmly held until the very end of the set. It was completed by the team captain, who came out as a substitute. Oleh Plotnytskyi directed his powerful serve straight into the line of the opponent's court - 25:21.
In the fourth set, there was also parity at the beginning (7:7), but the hosts of the court were able to establish an advantage of +3 points thanks to a discount from the passing Bruno, the block of his partners, and the ace of Flavio. Unfortunately, the Ukrainians could not catch up with their opponents - 18:25 and 2-2 in sets.
So, a tie-break was awaiting us. The teams kept an even score (3:3) and then the attack of the crazy Darlan and Saatkamp's ace put Brazil ahead (3:5). This +2 for the home team lasted until the end of the set. Although we must give credit to our volleyball players, as they fought until the last whistle - 11:15 and 2:3 as a result.
The most effective player in the Ukrainian national team was Illia Kovalov (20 points).
On October 6 at 23:00 Kyiv time, the Ukrainians will play against the Qatar national team.
Standings of Group A after four rounds:
Watch the online broadcast of the qualification matches on the DIVISPORT.TV website and on the Megogo and Sweet.TV platforms.
