Lausanne, Switzerland, May 9, 2018 - When the inaugural women's Volleyball Nations League opens next week, Brazil will be hosting Germany, Japan and Serbia in Barueri, in the outskirts of Sao Paulo, in a bid to start the season with a perfect record, ahead of a gruelling five weeks of pool play before the Finals in China at the end of next month.
Coach Jose Roberto 'Ze Roberto' Guimaraes highlighted the importance of finishing the opening pool on full points so as to get a head start in the long race to the Top Six in Nanjing, China, from June 27 to July 1.
"Playing at home is a big help and I'm sure the crowd will be there," said the 63-year-old coach who has been leading the women's team of Brazil for the past 15 years straight. "It will be very important to try to win those three games to leave Brazil with nine points, which would help our qualification for the Finals. The VNL is a long competition and we want to reach the Finals in China, but we need to play as many games as possible to give our team experience. This will be an excellent preparation for the World Championship."
Tandara: We want to perform well in these games.
"It is very good to play this first stage in Brazil," added 29-year-old opposite Tandara Caixeta, who was named MVP this year in the Brazilian Superleague. "It will be three tough opponents like Japan who have beaten us the last two times we've faced each other. We are taking great care in preparation and we want to perform well in these three games. I believe the fans will be present and will support us in those games."
Quick links: FIVB Volleyball Nations League
Website
Men's teams
Women's teams
Competition information
Tickets
Media