Nagoya, Japan, October 7, 2018 - Louisa Lippmann scored a match-high 35 points as Germany stunned Brazil 3-2 (14-25, 19-25, 32-30, 25-19, 17-15) in the second round of the FIVB Women's World Championship on Sunday afternoon.
Maren Fromm had 19 points and Jennifer Geerties added 16 in the victory for Germany.
Tandara Caixeta led Brazil with 29 in the loss.
Brazil was 4-1 in the first round in Hamamatsu, while Germany was 3-2 in Yokohama.
The Brazilians dominated the early part of the contest, though Germany showed promise. Brazil was cruising on the way to a three-set victory when the match changed in the final few points of the third set.
Germany then came roaring back, playing great team volleyball in all aspects, while the Brazilians lost energy and focus.
Brazil led 8-5 at the first TTO as they looked to establish a tempo. Fernanda Rodrigues delivered a service ace to put Brazil up 10-5. The Brazilians gained steam as the set progressed and was ahead 16-8 at the second TTO. Germany passed well and had some good attacks in the first set, but never threatened Brazil which took the set 25-14. Caixeta had seven points for Brazil in the set.
Maren Fromm's spike put Germany up 6-2 early in the second set. Brazil roared back to even the score at 9-9 as their defense stiffened and attack improved. A Jennifer Geerties spike tried to slow the onslaught after Brazil had moved ahead 13-10, but the South Americans 16-14 at the second TTO. A tap by Carolina Da Silva ended a great rally and saw Brazil boost their lead to 18-14.
Germany stayed closed, but could not find the formula to deal with Brazil's blocks and attacks. The Brazilians claimed the set 25-19.
Brazil built momentum quickly in the third set, moving out to a 8-3 margin at the first TTO with Caixeta leading the way on attack. A big block by Lippmann on Caixeta pulled Germany within three points at 11-8. A spike by Carolina off a nice option play made it 13-11 for Brazil. The Brazilians appeared comfortably in control of the set, but Brazil made some late substitutions and this seemed to change the direction of the set. The Germans gained confidence as the set continued. Germany kept it close and equalized at 24-24 with some timely blocks. The score was even again at 25-25. Germany moved ahead 26-25 on a fine serve by Ivana Vanjak. Caixeta answered with a spike down the middle for 26-26. Germany went back up 27-26, but sent a serve long. Fernanda then came up with a big block and Brazil had match point at 27-26 but could not end it. Germany finally took the set 32-20.
The Germans kept up the pace on both offense and defense in the fourth set and led 8-6 at the first TTO. Guimaraes sent a ball into the net that ended a great really and put Germany up 11-7. Brazil called timeout at this point to try and stem the German surge. With each succeeding point, Germany gained strength and Brazil appeared to lose confidence, committing errors and make poor plays. Germany increased the lead to 17-10 and leveled the match at 2-2 by winning the set 25-19.
Brazil moved ahead 3-1 in the final set as they seemed to regain their energy. But just as quickly, Germany ran off five straight points to reassume control. Germany led 8-6 at the changeover. Brazil fought back to tie it 9-9 on a spike by Caixeta. An ace by Denise Hanke made it 11-9 for Germany as they drove for the finish line. Caixeta made it 11-11 with a spike. Caixeta fired a spike long and Germany was two points from victory at 13-11. A German spike went long and the score was knotted again at 13-13. Germany sent another spike long and it was match point for Brazil at 14-13. Fromm then smashed a spike that was just in and it was 14-14. A Brazil spike went out and Germany led 15-14. Pereira then rose high for a spike and it was 15-15. Germany scored again quickly and it was 16-15 and then clinched the match 17-15.