OLYMPICS / Barcelona 1992: Brazil's 'spirit of unity': Volleyball

THE best team, Brazil, won the volleyball gold medal yesterday. Brazil, who were unbeaten in the tournament, dropped just three sets throughout. The Netherlands, who had been the surprise team of the competition, found the Brazilians too clever and organised and lost 15-12, 15-8, 15-5.

Brazil's coach, Jose Guimaraes, after celebrating with his team, had no doubts what had made his team so good. 'The main point was the spirit of unity in the team. . . we were representing a people and a flag. Nothing else mattered.' Indeed it did not. Their win sparked prolonged and ecstatic celebrations.

The Americans, champions in 1984 and 1988, had to come back from a set down to beat Cuba in four sets for the bronze. 'Obviously we wanted that gold,' their blocker, Bob Samuelson, said. 'But we wanted to be a part of this and come back with something.'

(Photograph omitted)