World Championship men’s volleyball match to follow today: USA vs. Brazil

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The U.S. Men’s Junior National Team will play its toughest opponent in pool play with a chance to advance to the second round of the World Championships.

After winning its pool-play opener in three games Monday, the No. 9 United States will play No. 6 Brazil on Tuesday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The United States and Brazil are among the four teams in Pool A. The top two teams in Pool A following the three pool-play matches will advance to the second round.

The U.S. Men’s Junior National Team is comprised of 15 current college men’s volleyball players and four incoming freshmen.

Check out what to know about this Pool A match between the United States Brazil.

No. 9 United States (1-0, 1-0 Pool A) vs. No. 6 Brazil (0-1, 0-1 Pool A)
Match vitals: 6:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. EST) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Follow live: Live stats, Online video
Last medal finish at World Championship: United States (never); Brazil (2009 gold)
Current NCAA players on roster: United States (15); Brazil (zero)
What to know: The pressure entering tonight’s pool-play match between Brazil and the United States is one-sided. The two-time defending gold medalist Brazil face a must-win match against the United States if it wants to win this year’s title on its home court. Brazil, the highest ranked team in Pool A, was upset in five games against No. 13 Japan in its pool-play opener Monday. A loss to the United States would in all likelihood eliminate Brazil from advancing out of pool play. The United States in contrast is tied with Japan for first place in Pool A after it swept Bulgaria on Monday and could clinich a spot in the quarterfinals if it defeats Brazil. BYU outside attacker Taylor Sander led the United States with 11 kills against Bulgaria. In addition, Pepperdine outside attacker Maurice Torres in the victory had 10 kills and a .625 attack percent — the second best attack percentage in the tournament after the opening day. Brazil outside attacker Ricardo Lucarelli-Souza had a team-high 18 kills in its loss to Japan.