Brazilian coach praises China

SAPPORO, Japan - The head coach of the Brazilian women's national team believes that China, along with the United States and Serbia, will be popular events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.   "China, the United States and Serbia," Jose Roberto Guimarães told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Monday.   "I think Brazil is in the second group. We have a very good team but we need to improve."   Guimarães leads the two-time Olympic champion with a 2-3 record at the FIVB Women's World Cup.   Playing without London 2012 Olympic champions Natalia Pereira and Tandara Caixeta, Ze Roberto's team lost to the United States in straight sets and then dropped a five-set thriller to China.   Without these players, it will be difficult to play against China and the United States, because currently they are fully selected.   The 65-year-old said: "We try to learn from them. Their level is very high, unbelievable. It's very important for us to come here and try to adapt for next season."   Guimarães was full of praise for defending champion China, who advanced to 8-0 on Monday night with a 25-12, 25-12, 25-14 victory over Kenya.   He praised Yuan Xinyue and captain Zhu Ting, who both scored 26 points against Brazil, calling them "amazing and unbelievable", while also praising Zhang Changning and Yan Ni.   "If the Olympics started today, China would be ready," said the coach, who led Brazil's men's and women's teams to titles.   Despite placing their team in the second group of games in Tokyo 2020, Guimarães still sees potential in its young players, including 23-year-olds Lorenne Teixeira and Drussyla Costa.   "They have good potential. Lorena, Drusilla and Mara have all played this year. Their progress is very important," Guimaraes said, adding that Pereira's return from injury would strengthen a team that has already qualified for the Olympics.   When the Chinese team defeated the United States, Captain Zhu scored a game-high 26 points, including 17 of 35 points. She also contributed 5 killer diamonds and 1 ace.   Zhang Changning added 13 points and Yuan Xinyue scored 10 points.