Zurich, Switzerland, May 9, 2015 - Rexona-AdeS Rio de Janeiro have been cruising through pool play; Dinamo Krasnodar have been struggling. But when the two teams meet in the second semifinal of the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship, it will surley be another day.
The reigning Brazilian and South American champions have so far provided us with a show of power, as they obliterated all opposition on their way to the semifinals, downing first hosts Volero Zurich and then Mirador Santo Domingo. After two matches, they remain the only unbeaten team in the competition.
On the other hand, Dinamo Krasnodar came back from the brink of elimination to qualify on the narrowest of margins. Having suffered a heavy defeat to Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul in their opening match, they then had to come from behind against Hisamitsu Springs Kobe to clinch a berth in the semifinals.
The match begins at 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) at the Saalsporthalle.
Head-to-head
. Rexona-AdeS Rio de Janeiro and Dinamo Krasnodar will clash for the first time at the Club World Championship.
Rexona-Ades
. Rexona-AdeS have reached the Club World Championship semfinals for the second time after 2013, when they won in straight sets against Volero Zurich.
. Rexona-AdeS could become the second reigning South American champions to win the Club World Championship, after Molico Osasco in 2012.
. Colgate Sao Caetano are the only Brazilian side who has ever failed to reach the podium at the Club World Championship, as they finished in fifth place in 1992.
Dinamo Krasnodar
. Reigning CEV Cup winners Dinamo Krasnodar reached the semis after a 3-1 win over Asian Champions Hisamitsu Springs Kobe on Friday.
. Dinamo Krasnodar, who received a wild card for this year’s edition, could become the first team to win the Club World Championship after entering the tournament with a wild card since Azerbaijan's Rabita Baku in 2011.
. Krasnodar are aiming to follow last year's success of Dinamo Kazan who became the first Russian team to win the Club World Championship.
. Teams from the same country have never won two consecutive Club World Championships.
. Fe Garay will celebrate her 29th birtday on the day of this year’s final (Sunday 10 May).