OKAYAMA, Japan, 26 November 2003 — World champions Brazil eased aside Egypt for an eighth straight win in the World Cup men’s volleyball yesterday, ahead of a top-of-the table battle against Olympic champions Serbia and Montenegro.
The Brazilians powered their way to a 25-20, 25-20, 25-13 victory, while Serbia and Montenegro outgunned Tunisia 25-16, 25-14, 25-21 in Fukuoka, western Japan.
The two teams will face each other in Tokyo on Friday, vying for one of three berths for the Athens Olympic Games next year.
Gustavo Endres, the best scorer with a total of 15 points, said: “In Tokyo we will play against Serbia and Montenegro, the United States and Japan. We will try our best to win this tournament and qualify for the Olympics.”
Serbia and Montenegro, retaining most of the players from the Yugoslavian side which won the gold medal in the Sydney Olympics in 2000, was confident of booking a place in Athens.
“I think Brazil, Italy and Serbia and Montenegro are most likely to earn a ticket for Athens, and Brazil are the top contender,” said Serbian coach Ljubomir Travica.
