Tokyo, October 26, 2006: FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta has named his top five selections for glory in the upcoming World Championships for women.
Speaking after his official FIVB World Congress press conference on Thursday, Dr. Acosta listed Brazil and Russia, followed by Italy, China and Cuba.
“Maybe Brazil, maybe Russia,” he said, when asked to name his favourite for the gold medal.
“Italy is also a strong contender, mainly because they have been training hard. And don’t forget China! As for Cuba, they are a young team -- and when you are young you can do everything!
“I think these teams will be the most likely contenders.”
Dr. Acosta praised Brazil, who are widely regarded as the favourites to win the world crown for the first time.
“Brazil has a very good programme that in the past only the Soviet Union had,” said the FIVB chief.
“Now in Brazil they have training centres in different cities, and in Rio de Janeiro they have a tremendous facility only for volleyball. This is the secret.
“We have to follow the structure of the academies in football which provide training, fitness and medical support.”
The World Championships start on October 31 in four cities around Japan and end at Osaka on November 16.
