Curitiba, Brazil, July 8, 2017 – 2017 FIVB World League had its grand finale on Saturday. France makes the local fans of host team Brazil disappointed as they defeated Brazil in front of more than 23’000 fans that filled the Arena da Baixada stadium. Les Bleus netted their second World League gold medal after a thrilling five-setter over the host team, while Canada were the other major winner of the final day by stepping onto the podium for the very first time, over USA.
The battle between two best teams is expected to be a cliffhanger which kept everyone on their toes. France with the help of MVP Earvin Ngapeth, won the decisive set to win 3-2 (21-25, 25-15, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13). Ngapeth scored 29 points, while Brazilian players Wallace De Souza and Ricardo Lucarelli both scoured 22 points.
Prior to the final match and spurred by 13 points of John Gordon Perrin, Canada wrapped up a marvelous World League campaign by seizing the bronze medal after coming from behind for a 3-1 (18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-21) win over USA. The access to the podium also meant a huge improvement from the 13th place they occupied on 2016.
FIVB World League 2017
Final Standings:
1. France
2. Brazil
3. Canada
4. USA
5. Russia and Serbia
Dream team:
MVP: Earvin Ngapeth (France)
Best Outside Hitters: Ricardo Lucarelli (Brazil) & Earvin Ngapeth (France)
Best Middle-Blockers: Graham Vigrass (Canada) & Kevin Le Roux (France)
Best Libero: Blair Cameron Bann (Canada)
Best Setter: Benjamin Toniutti (France)
Best Opposite: Wallace De Souza (Brazil)
Source: FIVB
