Darlan Souza spearheaded Brazil past the Nimir Abdel-Aziz-led Netherlands, raising the curtains to the Philippine leg of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League.
Darlan Souza carried the cudgels as Brazil weathered the Nimir Abdel-Aziz storm, staving off the Netherlands, 24-26, 25-23, 31-29, 25-20, to open the Philippine leg of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League on a high at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Souza rained down 26 points for the Brazilians, who bucked an opening-set hiccup before seizing control in the succeeding frames en route to a bounce-back victory Tuesday.
Before this win to open Week 3 play, Brazil was coming off a loss to Slovenia in Week 2. The fourth-ranked team in the world then rose to a 6-3 record with 19 points for third place.
From an 8-all deadlock in the decisive fourth frame, Flavio Gualberto, Lucarelli Souza and Yoandy Leal created crucial separation as Brazil built a 23-19 lead.
Alan Souza then took the scoring baton and delivered the finishing touches.
Lucas Saatkamp provided ample support with 12 points, while Gualberto made their presence felt above the net with six blocks on his way to 11 markers.
L. Souza and Leal pitched in nine and eight points.
On the other hand, the 38-point explosion of Abdel-Aziz, who collected 33 attacks and five aces, went down the drain.
Maarten Van Garderen was the only other Dutch in double figures with 15 points as his side fell to 3-6.
Brazil will aim to sustain its momentum when it takes on the USA, while the Netherlands will try to bounce back when it faces Iran.
Both matches will be held on Thursday, June 20.