Aussie volleyball team loses to Brazil

The Australian men's volleyball team struggled to match Brazil when in mattered most .

The Australian men's team showed again showed it could match the best volleyball nations in the world for short periods, but fell away quickly in a 3-0 loss to Brazil on Sunday.

The result meant Australia lost all four matches to the world No.1 ranked team, after losing both matches in Sao Paulo earlier this month.

While it had taken Australia two sets to find their rhythm against Brazil on Saturday, on Sunday they were ready for a fight from the start.

The lead fluctuated throughout the opening set, with setter Tom Peacock providing power hitters Harry Douglas-Powell and Edgar an armchair ride.

Douglas-Powell also served two big aces, but it was a contentious net call on the same player at 22-all that changed the set.

Australian coach Roberto Santilli was furious with the call, receiving a yellow card for his protestations, and the Volleyroos lost their focus and the set 25-22.

Australia once again matched Brazil for most of the second set, but when Brazil applied the pressure late the home side was left wanting.

"I think today was a bad reaction from our team," Santilli said.

"We only played one set and then the team disappeared. We tried to make some changes but they didn't work.

"We didn't play well technically, but we also didn't show the fighting spirit we need in World League."

Australia play Serbia on Saturday and Sunday at the Melbourne State Basketball Centre.


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Source: AAP


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