The juggernaut match between Poland and Brazil delivered as Wilfredo Leon powered the world no. 1 nation to a five-set victory in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
A match that had all the makings of an instant classic, and it delivered.
World no. 1 Poland and six-time Olympic medalists Brazil provided what might be the match of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 so far.
Brazil pushed Poland to its limits, but Wilfredo Leon willed his team to a victory, securing their place in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought five-set victory, 22-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 15-12, at the South Paris Arena 1 on Wednesday, July 31 (Philippine time).
The Brazilians won a rollercoaster first set, initially leading 19-13. The Polish responded with a 9-2 run, taking their first lead at 22-21 before Brazil finished the set with four straight points, including a crucial ace from Yoandy Leal.
Poland bounced back quickly in the second set, scoring six of the first seven points to gain a five-point lead. Although Brazil closed the gap to 10-9, Poland answered with a 7-2 run, maintaining their lead and finishing the set 25-19 with an ace from Bartosz Kurek.
Brazil dominated the third set, controlling most of the game. With the score at 16-14, Brazil pulled ahead with a 9-5 run, taking a 2-1 set lead.
In the fourth set, it was Poland’s turn to start strong and maintain their slim lead. Brazil made a late push and survived two set points, but a service error on the third set point forced the fifth set.
Poland took an early lead in the final set, scoring six of the first eight points and holding a four-point advantage when the teams switched sides.
Brazil fought back to tie the set at 12, but again, Poland regained the lead powered by Leon, who secured the win with two straight aces.
Leon finished with a game-high 26 points built on 21 attacks, two blocks, and three service aces. Jakub Kochanowski added 15 markers, while Bartosz Kurek and Kamil Semeniuk had 11 apiece.
Adriano Fernandes and Ricardo Lucarelli paced Brazil with 18 points apiece, while Darlan Souza scored 17 in the loss.
Poland’s victory gives them five points in Pool B, advancing them to the quarterfinals, where they will face Italy on Saturday, August 3, at 11:00 p.m. to determine the pool winner.
Brazil, with only one point so far, must beat Egypt on Friday, August 2, at 7 p.m. and hope for favorable results elsewhere to qualify as one of the two best third-place teams in the tournament.