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Published on July 24, 2007

In a clash of the titans between Brazil, reigning and three-time world champions, and European winners Italy, the Brazilian girls had few problems thrashing their rivals 25-14 25-19 25-13.

It is now likely that Brazil will top Group B and enhance their chance of playing in the final despite the fact that they still have the match against Puerto Rico in the preliminary round today.

China, the 1995 world champions and the Asian winners, also had a comfortable match yesterday as they crushed two-time African champions Egypt in a lop-sided battle 25-18 25-14 25-10. The Chinese, who will take on the US in their last match, are likely to top Group A.

The highlight of the day was the match between Thailand and Germany. The hosts lost the opener 25-20 but stormed back to stun the Germans 25-23 25-22 25-19.

"Great to win. I told my girls not to be nervous. We tried to avoid making unforced errors. The win is like a miracle. I can't believe that we have made it," said Thai head coach Banjong Sombat, who is looking forward to the match against Dominican Republic.

"I told my players to watch their tape. I have the conviction that we can beat them. I hope the girls won't underestimate them," he said. In the other matches, North America champions USA tamed Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-16 25-11 25-12), Japan powered past Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-21 23-25 25-13 25-18) and Ukraine stunned Croatia 3-2 (16-25 25-16 21-25 25-16 17-15).

Today, the final day of the group round-robin preliminary round, Japan take on Croatia, Puerto Rico go up against Brazil and Ukraine challenge Italy at the Chalerm Phrakiart Gymnasium, while Egypt play Germany, Thailand test their mettle against Dominican Republic and the USA are pitted against a fired-up China at the MCC Hall.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima