Intro:

Brazil beat defending champions USA 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-10) in the final round of the FIVB World Grand Prix in Sapporo on Wednesday (28th August).

Script:

There was a mouth-watering clash on day one of the World Grand Prix finals - a meeting between the world number one-ranked USA and Brazil - a place below them.

The two teams - who met in last year's Olympic Games final, where Brazil triumphed and Brazil felt their way into the match slowly, exchanging punches.

The Brazilian eventually won 25-19, 25-12, 25-10 and they were clearly delighted with the victory.

Serbia and China had met three times before in the World Grand Prix, with Serbia winning twice.

And in this clash China came out on top 3-1.

And in the final fixture of the day - home joy as Japan overcame Italy.

The two were ranked third and fourth respectively and before Wednesday, Japan had only lost one of their last five World Grand Prix matches against Italy.

And Japan won, 25-18, 25-19, 25-22.