Tintin strikes again!
2013 World League Champion Russia is on the edge of not making it to the Final 4 of the 2014 FIVB World League after losing to Brazil yesterday in 4 sets. The day before, Russian won a hard fought 5-set match versus Iran. Spiridonov and Russia only have 2 points. They will wait for the result of the Brazil vs Iran match later today.
According to a source, Alexey already has a feeling that Brazil vs Iran will be a “fixed match” to get rid of Russia in the semifinals.
“Spiridonov thinks that Brazil and Iran would “fix” their match to eliminate Russia. The Russian players strongly feel that nobody wants to see them in the Semifinal Round.”
The source also adds that there is so much pressure on Brazil.
“If they let Iran win against them, a lot would think they all did it intentionally to get rid of Russia. Remember the Brazil vs Bulgaria match at the 2010 World Champs?”
This match…
We just have to wait and see if Brazil will indeed allow Iran to win against them.
If Iran wins in 3 or 4 sets vs Brazil, Iran wins the pool and Brazil ends in second. Russia is eliminated.
If Iran wins in 5 sets, Brazil takes the top spot while Iran finishes 2nd. Russian players pack their stuff and catch an early flight back home.
If Brazil wins the match regardless of the results (3-0, 3-1, 3-2), Russia stays while Iran goes home with their best World League result ever after 2 appearances.
If you were Coach Rezende, would you purposely lose to Iran to send Russia home OR beat Iran and allow Russia a chance to defend their World League crown?
Thoughts?
(image: FIVB)
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