Brazil to begin defense volleyball world title against Cuba
(AngolaPress)
Updated: 2005-12-01 10:39

Brazil will begin the defence of their men`s Volleyball World Championship crown against Cuba in Japan next November, following a colourful drawing of lots ceremony in Tokyo on Tuesday.

In the women`s event, 2002 world champions Italy will start their campaign against Serbia and Montenegro.

After the 48 teams -- 24 in each tournament -- had been placed into one of four six- team groups, FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta gave his approval for the draw.

"It is valid and final," he concluded, to round off a ceremony that began with an atmospheric cultural performance and included a touch of glamour involving Miss Japan 2005, Lisa Kume.

In the men`s tournament, Brazil will play in Pool B with Germany, Cuba, Greece, France and Australia. Pool A is comprised of Egypt, Puerto Rico, Poland, China, Argentina and Japan.

In Pool C it`s Czech Republic, Italy, United States, Venezuela, Bulgaria and Iran, and Pool D is made up of Russia, Tunisia, Canada, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Serbia and Montenegro.

Looking ahead to the men`s tournament, Italy`s captain and setter Valerio Vermiglio said the Azzurri were in a very difficult group but they would try their best to advance.

"We have had a very good experience at the World Grand Champions Cup in Japan, and we`ll practise hard and do the best we can," said Vermiglio, who took part in the drawing of lots.

"I thought the ceremony was fantastic," added Vermiglio.

Italy won three straight World Championships from 1990 to 1998, after group rival the United States had won the title for the first time in Paris in 1986.

Czech Republic, also in Pool C with Italy, won world titles in 1956 and 1966 as the former Czechoslovakia.

Japan`s men missed out to Italy for the bronze medal, behind Brazil and the United States, at the World Grand Champions Cup in Tokyo on Sunday, and head coach Tatsuya Ueta said the focus had already shifted to the World Championships.

"The World Grand Champions Cup is over, and now we are working towards the World Championships next year," said Ueta. "I felt very excited during the draw as well as a small amount of good tension."