Gustavo on the Team USA clash
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Brazilian ace Gustavo Endres has described his team’s opening game against the United States in the men’s World Cup as like a final.
Brazil, the reigning Olympic and world champions and World Cup-holders from 2003, face a tough start in their bid to reach the medal podium and qualify early for the Beijing Olympics.
“In the first game we will have a final,” he says. “We will play against USA. I think that the American team, as well as Bulgaria, Russia, Spain and Brazil, are the favourites for the three vacancies.”
At 32, middle blocker Gustavo has been a mainstay of Brazil’s all-conquering team under head coach Bernardo Rezende, but the Beijing Olympics next August could mark the end of an era for this golden generation.
Gustavo adds: “The 2007 World Cup is the start of the Olympic Games, and we have talked about this competition many times since the beginning of the year. It will be very tough, but also rewarding. The competition is very well organised.”
