Brazilian-Russian passion and attempt to take a revenge. How Zenit lost against Sada Cruzeiro

Brazilian Zenit

In general, in this match, Zenit played with one of the real rivals for victory in this Club World Championship. Trentino is the second rival. And it is rather possible that Vladimir Alekno's players will meet with the Italian team in the semi-final. But we are speaking about Sada Cruzeiro now. This club was founded recently as well as Zenit – in 2006. At that time the team did not have serious goals. However, now it is one of the strongest collectives on the planet.

Sada Cruzeiro has been un unconditional leader of its championship like Zenit. The team has already had four champion titles (2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016). Sada Cruzeiro is very strong on the international stage too. The Brazilian players have already won three first prizes in the South American Championship (2012, 2014, 2016). Having defeated another Brazilian club Funvic Taubaté in this year's final, Cruzeiro has won the South American Championship. In 2015, Sada Cruzeiro won a silver medal because it lost against Argentinian UPCN.

Sada Cruzeiro already became a two-time winner of the Club World Championship (2013, 2015). What is more, last year it defeated Zenit-Kazan in the final. In 2012, the Brazilians lost against Trentino.

Sada Cruzeiro has been an unconditional leader of its championship like Zenit

Will they be able to take their revenge?

Sada is the major rival of the Kazan players in the group, without doubt. As I have said, last year the teams met in the final of the World Championship where the Brazilians were stronger than the Kazan players – 3-1. The team had played in a group stage where Zenit took the lead. Will the situation change maybe?

Two Olympic champions in the Brazilian team – setter William and opposite Evandro would be noted. Undoubtedly, Cuban outside hitter Yoandy Leal was the principal threat in that match. By the way, he is the MVP of the previous world competition. It is worth paying attention to blocker Robertlandy Simon.

In this contest, Sada Cruzeiro has already played two games and guaranteed itself a match in the playoff. The Brazilians have won both of them. They did not question their class. As we remember, the Kazan players defeated Egyptian Al-Gaish, won a victory without problems. Trentino from another group of the competition also coped with the group stage. Two Argentinian clubs San Juan and Bolívar will fight for the second ticket. By the by, Bolívar won a victory in the match.

Mistaken set

The match started with mutual mistakes that gave the teams several points. The rivals made more mistakes while serving. They hit either the net or failed everything possible. Only when the teams had 10 points, they started to make fewer mistakes and score points with their actions. For example, here is Zenit's combination that ends with a slight and successful, which is more important, shot to an empty area.

Even Vladimir Alekno managed to receive a yellow card

Then Sada took control of the game and went ahead, so it had 5 points more. It seemed that Zenit understood what to do but started to dig in its heels and did not let the rival go ahead. Although Alekno's players made mistakes themselves, they also made the opponent do it. However, it did not help, and the Kazan players lost the first set 20-25.

Zenit started the second set far better. The team immediately scored 5 points more than his opponent. Anderson served an ace. Sada Cruzeiro tried to change the state of affairs, but it was very successful in fact. The court was boiling with emotions. Even Vladimir Alekno managed to receive a yellow card. León should be noted in this set. He did what he was able to do. All in all, 25-20 in favour of Zenit and 1-1.

Failed revenge

At the beginning of the third set, Zenit had a little advantage, but the game was even. The Brazilians did not let the Kazan players go far and reduce the margin again and again. Zenit took the lead with a 2-3-point margin for a long time and created new problems. At one point the Kazan players got what they deserved, so to speak, Sada levelled the score. The teams played to lose down the end of the set. Then the Brazilian club held the lead and took the victorious points – 26-24.

It turned out the final set started well for Zenit. But then the Kazan players lost their advantage and they had to catch up. Alekno tried to calm down the attack of Sada Cruzeiro by different means. It helped at times.

Cuban Yoandry Leal who scored points for his team over and over

The Brazilian club has Cuban Yoandry Leal who scored points for his team over and over. It was very difficult to stop him in that Brazilian evening. Yes, at a moment Zenit flipped. And Volvich got a red card after a serve. It meant an expulsion till the end of the set. So Sada has won Alekno's players for the second time. Theoretically, now the teams might meet in the final of the World Championship.

Well, not a big deal

Now Zenit will have to play with Taichung Bank where Alekno's players must win. Another result won't be understood. Italian Trentino who is likely to win the match with San Juan and take the first place in the group is the most possible rival of the Kazan players. So Sada and Bolívar are likely to be the second semi-final couple. A South American and European derby – perfect.

It is time the Kazan players had the cherished title, of course. Though at the fifth attempt. Here we can envy Belogorie that needed just one attempt to become a world champion. Meanwhile, Alekno's players stop in the playoff every time, only one step set them apart gold medals. Like Akinfeyev and anti-record in the Champions League. Either streak ends sooner or later – either it is good or bad. But when if not now? Zenit is up and running now, there is a chance to win all the trophies and make a history. And become better that the 'Barcelona' from Kazan.