Poland played the very first match at this world championship in Warsaw and they will play the very last match against Brazil in Katowice
Lausanne, Switzerland, September 21, 2014 – Brazil and Poland have played each other in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship final in 2006, now they will have a chance to repeat this encounter to determine the winners of the 2014 edition.
Brazil have previously reached the World Championship final four times, including the last three editions, which they eventually won. Their other gold medal match appearance was in 1982, which they lost to the Soviet Union. Poland, on the other hand, have previously reached the World Championship final two times, including the 1974 edition, which they won; and the 2006 encounter with Brazil which they lost in straight sets.
Meanwhile, France will square-off with Germany for the bronze medal match. France can win their second bronze medal and equal their best ranking at the World Championship after their 3-0 win against Yugoslavia in 2002. Germany will finish in the top four for the first time since 1974.
Teams with 15-1 win-records meet in final – Poland have won 15 of their 16 matches, with their only loss coming against USA in the second round. Brazil, on the other hand, have the same record, their only loss coming against Poland in the third round. These teams have last played against each other in the final of the World Championship in 2006, when Brazil won in straight sets. A win by Brazil will make them the first team to win four consecutive World Championship titles. If Poland will win, they will earn their third medal at the World Championship.
France and Germany’s exchange in wins – France and Germany have exchanged wins in their last six encounters at all major tournaments: W-L-W-L-W-L-W from France’s perspective. France need one more win to reach 10 victories – their best team record at a single edition. Germany have already jumped four places from their eight place finish in 2010. If France will win, they can get their second bronze medal in history. If Germany will win, they will move five places up from their previous standing, and will improve on their last top four appearance in 1974.