Ricardo Lucarelli (18) and Bruno Rezende celebrate the victory over Mexico
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 7, 2016 – Ricardo Lucarelli had two blocks and four aces among his 17 points as hosts Brazil debuted at the men’s volleyball Olympic tournament with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-14, 25-18) victory over a tough Mexico that never gave up until the end at Maracanazinho Stadium on Sunday morning.
Wallace de Souza was the best scorer of the match with 18 points, all via attacks, while Lucas Saatkamp contributed 13 points in the victory.
Daniel Vargas topscored Mexico with 15 points and Carlos Guerra was next with 13 points for the defeated side.
Mexico led the close first set from start to finish with their biggest margin was a four-point advantage at 17-13. They sealed it with a spike by Daniel Vargas.
In the second set, Brazil jumped in front and led 14-12 before winning seven of the next eight points to put them out of reach. They won it 25-19 to tie the match 1-1.
The third set was lopsided with the home side establishing a complete control after the early going. They won it by 25-14 margin.
Mexico kept battling against a superior opponent in the fourth set, but finally succumbed with Brazil sealing the triumph with a 25-18 score.