Olympic runners-up Brazil beat Serbia 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 23-25, 15-12) in a thrilling final match of the FIVB World League.
Author:
Fonet
The Brazilians tied the record of the Italians, who have also been crowned for eight times in the annual volleyball tournament founded in 1990.
Before 22,600 spectators, Serbia started well in the fifth set, jumping to a 8-5 lead, but Brazil immediately answered with several straight points to overtake the lead at 10-8 and 14-11.
Russia beat Cuba 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-16) for the bronze medal.
Best players of the FIVB World League final tournament (Belgrade, July 22 - 26, 2009)
Best Spiker: Roberlandy Simon (CUBA)
Best Blocker: Roberlandy Simon (CUBA)
Best Server: Wilfredo Leon (CUBA)
Best Libero: Alexey Verbov (RUSSIA)
Best Setter: Nikola Grbic (SERBIA)
Best Scorer: Ivan Miljkovic (SERBIA)
Most Valuable Player: Sergio Dutra Santos (BRAZIL)