Samba lads arrive to defend under 23 volleyball crown

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Defending champions Brazil being welcomed in Dubai before a photoshoot at the official hotel on Wednesday.
Defending champions Brazil being welcomed in Dubai before a photoshoot at the official hotel on Wednesday.

Dubai - The powerful squad, grouped with pre-event favourites Russia and Argentina, Turkey, Mexico and Tunisia in Pool B, will play their qualifying games at the Al Ahli indoor stadium in Qusais till August 29.

By Moni Mathews

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Published: Fri 21 Aug 2015, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 21 Aug 2015, 1:59 PM

 Brazil, the champions of the inaugural chapter of the world under 23 volleyball championships in 2013, checked into their official hotel in Dubai after a 16-hour flight from San Francisco, on Wednesday.
The powerful squad, grouped with pre-event favourites Russia and Argentina, Turkey, Mexico and Tunisia in Pool B, will play their qualifying games at the Al Ahli indoor stadium in Qusais till August 29.
The semis and final of the second FIVB Men's U23 World Championship-Dubai 2015 will be held at Al Nasr Club in Karama adjacent to the India Club and the Indian High School, till August 31. The Pool A matches at this venue earlier will see hosts UAE, Italy, Iran, Cuba, South Korea and Egypt fighting it our for the top two berths.
"Brazil with their all-out attacking mode and superb defending skills are going to be the same formidable force at this level though they are rebuilding in this age group as most of their good first six have gone on to the Brazilian senior side," said Yousef Al Mulla, president of the UAE Volleyball Association.
A simple but warm welcome was organised by the association at the Marriott Hotel in Murqabat, Dubai for the south Americans.
Brazilian coach Hubenao G. said: "Our mission in this tournament is to go all out to retain the first championship title earned in Brazil two years ago. The side is here with many new faces and there are only Xiago and Fernando of that side available for this event."
"Russia and Argentina will be the tough ones to cross in our group while Cuba, Italy and Iran in the other group are also serious contenders for the crown." Coach Bernardo Heyznda had guided the Samba lads to the title with some of the most innovative new skills seen in the sport, two years ago.
Brazil are here after participating in the Pan Am Games, and they look very match fit as they prepare to display their awesome skills for the volleyball loving fans in the country.
South Korea, Turkey, Mexico, Egypt, Italy, Cuba, Russia, Argentina and Tunisia are due to arrive next at the Dubai International Airport.
Meanwhile, the UAE national side who were in Serbia for their final preparations returned late on Tuesday night and will take on local sides in their final warm-up run at their group venue at Al Nasr Club.
moni@khaleejtimes.com 


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