Russia, USA clinch final round spots as fifth week of FIVB World League concludes

(BEIJING, July 14) -- The fifth week of the FIVB World League 2008 wrapped up on Sunday with the top spots in two of four pools decided.

The USA's 24-26, 25-22, 25-13, 25-18 defeat of Spain on Saturday night in Bloomington, USA, combined with a two-match split between Finland and Bulgaria, means that the USA has clinched the top spot in pool C and will play in the final round. Bulgaria defeated Finland 26-24, 25-19, 18-25, 25-22 on Sunday and is guaranteed a second place finish with the chance at a wild-card spot.

Russia had a 2-0 weekend and locked up first place in pool B. Cuba defeated the Republic of Korea 25-16, 22-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12 on Sunday to keep pace with second place Italy, which was on the losing end of Russia's two wins. The Republic of Korea has now lost 10 matches in a row and is in last place in the pool.

Brazil, which has held the World League crown since 2003, won its second straight-set victory of the weekend over France on Sunday, winning 25-22, 25-21, 25-19. Brazil has the top spot in the pool with 16 points but automatically qualifies for the final round as the host country, which means next weekend's series between second-place France and third-place Serbia is a battle to qualify for the finals. Serbia carries some momentum into next week -- they beat Venezuela in straight sets on Friday, then won 18-25, 25-20, 27-25, 25-20 on Sunday. Venezuela is in last place in the pool with 11 points and a 1-9 record.

No pool D matches were played on Sunday. Poland is currently in first place with 17 points and a 7-3 record after winning two four-set matches against Japan earlier in the weekend. China sits in second place with 15 points and a record of 5-5. Egypt and Japan have 14 points and are out of contention to win the pool.

The sixth and last week of the intercontinental round takes place July 18-20. The final round will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 23-27.