Serbia defended its women’s volleyball world title in an undisputed fashion. The team led by Daniele Santarelli prevailed over Olympic runner-up Brazil by 3-0 (26:24, 25:22, 25:17) in the grand final of the 2022 World Cup, played at the Omnisport Hall in Apeldoorn (Netherlands).
In this way, Serbia won the world title for the second time in a row. The Serbian national team did this after 12 wins from 12 games. In addition to the two gold medals, the Serbian women also have one bronze in their history, achieved in 2006.
On the other hand, Brazil continues to be without a world title and this is the 4th lost final of the championship of the planet after 1994, 2006, and 2010. Brazil also have one bronze medal in 2014.
The first part of the final match started better for Brazil, who led 5:2 after an attack by Rosamaria Montibeller and a counter by Gabriela Guimaraes. Despite the efforts of the world champions from Serbia to reach a draw, Brazil kept its lead until 10:7. This was followed by successful attacks by Tijana Boskovic and Bianka Busa and a great single block by Jovana Stevanovic and a 10:10 draw. The two teams continued to play completely evenly until 14:14, after which Serbia pulled away with 16:14 after excellent performances by Sara Lozo. A powerful attack and a technical counter by Gabi Guimaraes followed to equalize again to 16:16. Counter from the second line of Lorenne Teixeira and 17:16 for Brazil. Once again the game continued point for point until 18:18, then followed a counter by Bianka Busa and 19:18 for Serbia. The Serbian women managed to reach a game ball at 24:22 after a great block by distributor Bojana Drca. Two mistakes by Serbia followed to a new tie 24:24. In the end, Serbia won the game with 26:24 after an attack by Tijana Boskovic and an out by Gabi Guimaraes.
At the beginning of the second game, Brazil pulled away again with 7:3, maintaining its lead to 10:7. Serbia managed to reduce to 11:10 after an attack through the center of Mina Popovic and a block of Jovana Stevanovic, then even equalized at 12:12 after a counter by Tijana Boskovic. The Selecao immediately regained their advantage at 16:13 after strong performances from Gabi Guimaraes and Ana Carolina da Silva. Another tie followed at 16:16 after several strong attacks by Tijana Boskovic. Jovana Stevanovic continued with her strong serves, including her ace, and the world champions led by 20:16. Strong minutes followed for the Brazilians, who cut their deficit to 21:20 thanks to Gabi Guimaraes and Ana Carolina da Silva. Serbia reached a game ball at 24:22 after a new block-out attack by Tijana Boskovic and an out by substitute Tainara Santos. Great triple block of Serbia – 25:22 and 2-0 in their favor.
The third game was tied at 3:3, after which Serbia took a 6:3 lead after two attacks by Bianka Busa and a block by Jovana Stevanovic, prompting Brazil coach Ze Roberto to take a timeout. However, the Serbian women increased their lead to 10:6 after an error by Tainara Santos of Selecao. The difference even became 12:7 after a counter block-out by Bianka Busa. Serbia’s lead grew to 16:8 after an ace by Sara Lozo followed by a dropped ball and a strong counter by Tijana Boskovic. The Serbian team continued to lead until 21:14 after two more powerful attacks by Tijana Boskovic. In the end, Serbia comfortably won the game 25:17 after Tijana Boskovic’s block-out, winning the grand final 3-0 and defending their world title.
